Remarks After Meeting with Foreign Minister-Designate Yu Myung-Hwan

Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Seoul, South Korea
February 25, 2008

SECRETARY RICE: We’re honored to be here to attend the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak. It is an opportunity to celebrate the peaceful transition in this democracy of South Korea. It was a really wonderful and moving ceremony this morning; a beautiful speech by the President. And, of course, it’s always great to hear the universal strings of Beethoven performed so beautifully by the choir and orchestra.

I am going to have an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about the strong bilateral relationship that the United States and South Korea enjoy, the wonderful relationship that we have, the alliance that we enjoy. It is a relationship that has only deepened over the years because we share something very important. As much as we share strategic interests, we certainly share common values.

And so this is a day for celebration more than for policy. But I'm really quite honored to be here on behalf of the United States for this great day for the South Korean people. Thank you very much.

QUESTION: Secretary Rice, could you define the line that President Lee (inaudible) to help in the Six-Party Talks?

2008/T6-1