    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [July 27, 1995]
    [Pages 1154-1155]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Kim Yong-sam of South Korea
    July 27, 1995

        President and Mrs. Kim, members of the Korea delegation, welcome to
    the United States and welcome to Washington. Let me extend a special
    greeting to the many Korean-Americans who contribute so much to
    America's strength and diversity: Thank you, too, for being here today.
        The Republic of Korea and the United States are joined by a history
    of shared sacrifice and by a future of common purpose. Today Presi-

    [[Page 1155]]

    dent Kim and I will pay tribute to that past and continue our work
    toward that future.
        Mr. President, your great personal sacrifice and single-mindedness
    of purpose help return democracy to your country for the first time in
    three decades. Since your election 2\1/2\ years ago, South Korea has
    matched its incredible economic success with remarkable political
    progress. And in so many areas, from regional security to expanded
    trade, from peacekeeping to diplomacy, you have strengthened the
    partnership between our two nations.
        Today I reaffirm America's pledge to stand by that partnership. Our
    forces will remain in Korea as long as the Korean people want them
    there. Ultimately, the North-South dialog and the future of the Korean
    Peninsula are in the hands of the Korean people. But you will always
    have the support of the United States.
        Together we have made great progress. With Japan, we secured an
    agreement from North Korea to end its dangerous nuclear program. With
    other Northeast Asian nations we are strengthening our security
    alliance, so that a region too often torn apart by war knows a future of
    peace. We are taking historic steps to make trade and investment more
    free throughout the Asia-Pacific region so that all our people know a
    future of prosperity. South Korea is and must remain a vital leader in
    all these efforts, and all of this will be on our agenda today.
        Today President Kim and I will also commemorate the foundation of
    our partnership when we dedicate the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The
    monument pays tribute to the Americans who fought side by side with
    South Koreans in defense of their land. And it stands as evidence of an
    unshakable alliance between our two nations, an alliance today that is
    stronger than ever.
        Mr. President, we're glad to have you with us. Welcome back to the
    White House; welcome back to America.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:46 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.