[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.