[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
[October 20, 2003]
[Pages 1364-1365]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Joint Statement Between the United States of America and the Republic of 
Korea
October 20, 2003

    On October 20, 2003, President George W. Bush of the United States 
of America and President Roh Moo-hyun of the 
Republic of Korea held a summit meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. At the 
meeting, the two Presidents noted with satisfaction that there has been 
smooth progress in building a comprehensive and dynamic alliance 
relationship between the two countries as declared in the Joint 
Statement adopted on May 14. In addition, the two Presidents had a broad 
and sincere exchange of views on various issues between the two 
countries, including North Korea's nuclear issue, Iraq reconstruction, 
and the issue of upgrading the U.S.-ROK alliance.
    Regarding the U.S. request for the dispatch of additional troops to 
Iraq, President Roh explained that as a result 
of conducting a comprehensive review of the overall situation, including 
the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance and national interest, the ROK 
government has decided to dispatch additional troops to Iraq so as to 
provide assistance for a prompt establishment of peace and 
reconstruction in Iraq. President Roh stated that the size, type and 
form of the troops as well as the timing of the dispatch will be decided 
by taking into account public opinion, the result of the survey teams 
and the characteristics and capability of the Korean military forces. 
President Bush expressed respect and gratitude to President Roh for 
making the principled determination to dispatch troops. President Bush 
also stated that the ROK's dispatch of troops to Iraq will not only 
further strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and contribute to the 
reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq, but also will serve as an 
opportunity to increase the ROK's prestige in the international 
community.
    President Bush and President Roh reconfirmed 
the principles agreed upon in their summit meeting in May, that they 
will not tolerate nuclear weapons in North Korea and that they are 
committed to a peaceful resolution of the issue. The leaders noted the 
importance of the Six Party talks for achieving the goal of the 
complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of North Korea's 
nuclear weapons programs. The two Presidents shared the view that it is 
desirable to hold the next round of the talks at an early date and to 
make concrete progress. President Bush reiterated that the U.S. has no 
intention of invading North Korea and that the U.S. expects North Korea 
to end its nuclear weapons ambitions. President Bush explained how 
security assurances might be provided within the multilateral context, 
conditioned on North Korea's progress in nuclear dismantlement. 
President Roh expressed appreciation for President Bush's efforts toward 
resolving the issue. The two Presidents agreed to study ways and means 
to seek progress in the next round of the talks. The two Presidents also 
urged North Korea to respond positively to the other parties' diplomatic 
efforts and to refrain from any

[[Page 1365]]

action which would exacerbate the situation.
    President Bush and President Roh noted that 
the strong alliance between the ROK and the U.S. and the presence of US 
Forces Korea have made great contributions to peace and stability on the 
Korean peninsula as well as in Northeast Asia. The two Presidents agreed 
to pursue the relocation of USFK bases in careful consideration of the 
security environment on the Korean peninsula.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.