[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 6, 1992]
[Pages 44-45]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Roh Tae Woo of South Korea 
in Seoul

January 6, 1992
    Mr. President, Mrs. Roh, distinguished guests, tonight we have much 
to celebrate, first and foremost our solid alliance. Many think that our 
partnership was born that moment 40 years ago when we joined forces 
against aggression. But it dates back over a century. When your nation 
looked outward for diplomatic and commercial opportunity, it looked then 
first to the United States. Today, our alliance has grown into a 
political, economic, and security partnership. I assure you, our 
commitment will continue well into the 21st century.
    As you said, Mr. President, during your visit to the White House, 
``Democracy in Korea is on course and is moving inexorably forward.'' 
Through hard work and commitment, the Republic of Korea has moved from a 
war-ravaged past to a prosperous present and an enviable future.
    This republic's progress in resolving differences with your brothers 
in the North is a great step in the journey toward the day when all of 
Korea is free. I admire your steadfastness and commitment to a peaceful 
resolution. The many successes of your Nordpolitik policy, your enhanced 
relations with Russia and China, your active dialog with North Korea, 
move us closer to that day. If North Korea can truly abandon not only 
its nuclear weapons program but its belligerence as well, that ribbon of 
land at the 38th parallel will no longer divide this nation.
    Mr. President, we know each other well; I know you are a modest man. 
Your leadership of the Republic of Korea during this period of 
incredible change has earned you an honorable place in the wonderful 
history of this nation. You've knocked down trade barriers, opened 
markets, and your nation's economy has prospered. With each election 
your country holds, at least three this year, free ideas and opinions 
flourish. Under your

[[Page 45]]

leadership, at long last South Korea took its rightful place in the 
United Nations.
    So, Mr. President, with many thanks for a visit that we will long 
cherish and long remember, I raise my glass and ask all of you to join 
me, a glass to peace and unification for Korea, to your leadership of 
the Republic of Korea, to peace and prosperity, to the wonderful people 
of this land that we treasure as true friends. To you, sir, Mrs. Roh. 
And thank you all for a magnificent time. To your health, sir.

                    Note: The President spoke at 7:30 p.m. at the Blue 
                        House.