The alliance between Seoul and Washington “will remain a pillar of peace and prosperity“ in the Asia-Pacific region, US President Joe Biden told South Korean Prime Minister and Acting President Han Deok-soo last night, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
This was the first phone call between Biden and Han since the latter took office from President Yun Suk-yeol, who was removed from office by impeachment voted by parliament on Saturday after his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3.
“President Biden expressed his high appreciation for the resilience of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea“, the White House said in a statement.
“The two leaders discussed the significant progress made in recent years in strengthening the US-Republic of Korea alliance, and President Biden expressed confidence that this alliance will remain a pillar of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region during the term of "acting President Han," the statement added.
Yoon's attempt to impose martial law on December 3 caught the United States, South Korea's main ally, by surprise. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US government was not informed in advance and learned the news from television, AFP reported.