[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE THREE YEARS OF SERVICE OF AMBASSADOR HAN DUK-SOO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to offer a tribute to His 
Excellency Han Duk-soo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the 
United States, who is leaving his post in Washington after three years 
of representing and serving his country here.
   Before arriving in Washington in March 2009, Ambassador Han served 
as his country's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of 
Finance and Economy, after previous service as ambassador to the OECD 
and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
   The past three years have been particularly busy for him, 
culminating in the ratification of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, 
which takes effect next month.
   During Ambassador Han's tenure in Washington, he also dealt with 
sensitive and timely issues like security matters in Northeast Asia. I 
am particularly reminded of his thoughtful and steady leadership during 
the challenges Korea faced in the wake of the attacks on the Cheonan 
Naval Vessel and on Yeonpyeong Island in 2010.
   Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Korea has a special place in my heart.
   My father fought in Korea. I grew up hearing stories from him about 
the horrid conditions, and I know he carried his battle-scars with him 
throughout his life. Yet he never wavered in his pride for having 
served his country.
   In November 2010, my father and I visited Korea, where we were 
treated with utmost hospitality and--in my father's case--gratitude. It 
was a memorable trip and Ambassador Han and his embassy staff helped 
make it possible.
   Where we once forged a relationship on the battlefield together, 
building a secure environment for the nation to prosper over the last 
60 years, today we attempt to forge a new economic and strategic bond 
for the future prosperity of our two nations. A country once ravaged by 
war, Korea received a substantial amount of foreign aid, but now enjoys 
an advanced and dynamic economy, and is itself today a generous donor 
of foreign aid. We work closely with Korea, maintaining a considered 
influence in that region as a deterrent to North Korean aggression and 
a counter to Chinese dominance.
   The United States and Korea hold a forward-looking relationship. 
Every year, in so many ways, the United States and the Republic of 
Korea grow closer and closer together. The implementation this year of 
the Korea-U.S. Free Trade agreement is just one further symbol of the 
strength of our countries' friendship.
   Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in extending best 
wishes to my dear friend, Ambassador Han. We thank him for his service 
as South Korea's top diplomat in the United States and wish him every 
success as Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association.

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