    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 9, 1998]
    [Pages 915-916]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea
    June 9, 1998

        I am proud to welcome President Kim Dae-jung
    and the entire Korean delegation to the United States and to the White
    House.
        We live in remarkable times. In the 1980's, some of the greatest
    heroes of freedom were the political prisoners of repressive regimes:
    Lech Walesa in Poland, Vaclav Havel in Czechoslovakia, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and Kim Dae-jung, who faced a death
    sentence in South Korea after years of unjust and brutal treatment by
    the government.
        How very different things are now. Lech Walesa was elected Poland's President; Vaclav Havel and Nelson Mandela are the
    Presidents of their countries; and Kim Dae-jung is here today as
    President, after the first-ever democratic change of power from the
    governing party to the opposition in the 50-year history of the Republic
    of Korea.
        The irresistible longing for freedom, human rights, and democracy
    has carried Kim Dae-jung to the Presidency of his country and now back
    to America, where he once lived in exile and where there has long been
    strong bipartisan support for Korean democracy.
        Mr. President, you have the admiration of the American people. We
    will work together to deepen democracy and economic opportunity.
        President Kim has spoken of the powerful link between democratic
    governments and market economies. In the 21st century, nations will not
    be able to sustain great economic power unless their people are
    empowered, free to speak their minds and create their own futures,
    unless there is equal opportunity and the rule of law.
        America strongly supports the economic reforms President Kim is
    pursuing: opening markets, making financial institutions, businesses,

    [[Page 916]]

    and government more accountable. We will work with South Korea as it
    moves toward a full recovery and broader prosperity, with increased
    trade and investment that will benefit both our nations.
        Mr. President, your leadership will guide Korea's economic recovery,
    but so will your example. If one man can triumph over such great
    adversity, then surely the Korean people can surmount their current
    challenges. The American people, including more than 1 million Korean-
    Americans who contribute so very much to our country, stand with you.
        Let me also reaffirm America's steadfast commitment to our security
    alliance. We will continue working together for peace and stability on
    the Korean Peninsula and across Asia.
        As President, I stood on the Bridge of No Return where I saw the
    sacrifices made by American and South Korean troops to protect freedom.
    I also saw the young North Korean soldiers on the other side and
    imagined a future where people from North and South could walk freely
    across that bridge.
        We strongly support South Korea's efforts to find common ground with
    North Korea. The United States also will continue to participate with
    China in the four-party efforts to build a permanent peace.
        Let me conclude by saying something to men and women all around the
    world who work to protect human rights: Your work matters. You help
    transform nations and end tyranny. You save lives. Standing with me
    today is living proof--Kim Dae-jung, a human rights pioneer, a
    courageous survivor, and America's partner in building a better future
    for the world.
        Today let us celebrate the freedom that has brought so much hope to
    the end of the 20th century. But let us also strengthen our efforts to
    build even greater democracy and peace and prosperity for all our
    children in the 21st century.
        Mr. President, again, welcome to the White House, and welcome back
    to America.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:50 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.