[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 43 (Monday, October 27, 2003)]
[Pages 1438-1439]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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,

[[Page 1439]]

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 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.