[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 46 (Monday, November 21, 2005)]
[Pages 1735-1737]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Joint Declaration on the ROK-U.S. Alliance and Peace on the Korean 
Peninsula

November 17, 2005

    President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and President 
George W. Bush of the United States of America held a summit meeting on 
November 17, 2005, in Gyeongju.
    President Bush expressed his deep appreciation for Korea's natural 
beauty and ancient culture which he was able to experience together with 
President Roh at Gyeongju.
    The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on a wide range of 
issues: the alliance, the North Korean nuclear issue, inter-Korean 
relations and establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, 
economic cooperation, and cooperation in regional and global issues.
    Reaffirming that the alliance is strong, the two leaders concurred 
that the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue is essential for 
establishing durable peace on the Korean peninsula.
    President Roh and President Bush highlighted the contribution of the 
alliance to securing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in 
Northeast Asia for the past fifty years.
    The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the steady 
development of the ROK-U.S. relationship into a comprehensive, dynamic 
and mutually-beneficial alliance relationship, as agreed upon during the 
May 14, 2003, summit in Washington D.C.
    The two leaders reviewed the successful force realignment agreements 
and shared the view that this realignment will further enhance the 
combined defense capability of the alliance. They expressed the common 
understanding that U.S. Forces-Korea (USFK) is essential for the peace 
and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
    The two leaders agreed that the alliance not only stands against 
threats but also for

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the promotion of the common values of democracy, market economy, 
freedom, and human rights in Asia and around the world.
    President Roh and President Bush spoke highly of the successful 
agreements on the relocation of USFK bases including Yong-san Garrison, 
and the partial reduction of USFK, which was accomplished through close 
ROK-U.S. consultation. Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the 
agreements between the two sides were being faithfully implemented.
    President Bush expressed appreciation for the assistance that Korean 
troops are giving to a swifter establishment of peace and reconstruction 
in Iraq and Afghanistan and also for the contribution the Korean 
government has made towards strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance through 
such efforts.
    President Roh and President Bush agreed to launch a strategic 
dialogue called Strategic Consultation for Allied Partnership (SCAP) at 
the ministerial-level to consult on bilateral, regional and global 
issues of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to have the first 
strategic dialogue at the beginning of 2006.
    President Roh and President Bush reiterated that a nuclear-armed 
North Korea will not be tolerated, and reaffirmed the principles that 
the North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved through peaceful and 
diplomatic means and that North Korea should eliminate its nuclear 
weapons programs promptly and verifiably.
    The two leaders welcomed the September 19 Joint Statement concluded 
during the fourth round of the Six-Party Talks as an important step 
towards the goal of a denuclearized North Korea.
    They welcomed North Korea's commitment to abandon all nuclear 
weapons and existing nuclear programs and reaffirmed their commitment to 
take measures outlined in the Joint Statement.
    The two leaders looked forward to progress in the fifth round of 
talks, which should be dedicated to the implementation of the Joint 
Statement.
    President Roh reaffirmed that the ROK will continue to pursue the 
development of inter-Korean relations in accordance with its Peace and 
Prosperity Policy and in harmony with progress in resolving the nuclear 
issue so that both are mutually reinforcing. President Bush expressed 
support for South-North reconciliation and pledged to continue close 
cooperation and coordination as it develops.
    The two leaders shared a common understanding that the process of 
resolving the North Korean nuclear issue will provide an important basis 
to build a durable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.
    The two leaders agreed that reducing the military threat on the 
Korean Peninsula and moving from the current armistice mechanism to a 
peace mechanism would contribute to full reconciliation and peaceful 
reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
    Pursuant to the September 19th Six Party Joint Statement, the two 
leaders agreed that discussions on a peace regime should take place 
amongst directly-related parties in a forum separate from the Six-Party 
Talks and following progress in those Talks, and expected that the 
discussions on a peace regime and the Six Party Talks will be mutually 
reinforcing.
    They agreed that these peace discussions should lead to a decreased 
military threat and increased confidence on the peninsula in a manner 
consistent with the peaceful intentions of the U.S.-ROK alliance.
    The two leaders exchanged views on the situation for the people of 
the North and, based on a common hope for a better future, agreed to 
continue seeking ways to improve their condition.
    The two leaders agreed to strengthen ROK-U.S. cooperation so that 
APEC, as a major economic forum encompassing the Asia-Pacific, can 
respond more effectively to important demands from the region in the 
future.
    President Roh and President Bush agreed to closely cooperate with 
each other with a view to ensuring the success of the forthcoming 6th 
WTO Ministerial conference and the final conclusion of the WTO Doha 
development agenda negotiations.
    The two presidents recognized that close economic ties are an 
important pillar of the bilateral relationship and agreed that deepening 
and strengthening our economic and trade cooperation will contribute to 
the prosperity and freedom of both nations.

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    President Bush announced that the U.S. will work with the ROK to 
develop a visa waiver program roadmap to assist Korea in meeting the 
requirements for membership in the program. Korea's interest in 
participating in the VWP reflects our strong bilateral partnership and 
will contribute to enhance exchanges and mutual understanding.
    President Roh and President Bush agreed to make common efforts to 
develop a regional multilateral security dialogue and a cooperation 
mechanism, so as to jointly respond to regional security issues. In this 
regard, both leaders noted that the participants in the Six-Party Talks 
agreed through the Joint Statement to look for ways and means to promote 
security cooperation in Northeast Asia and that there was a common 
understanding among the participants that the Six-Party Talks could 
develop into such a regional multilateral security consultative 
mechanism once the North Korean nuclear issue is resolved.
    The two leaders also agreed to continuously strengthen bilateral 
cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations, 
including through such activities as peace-keeping operations.
    The two leaders agreed to continue to cooperate in fighting the 
global war on terror, and dealing with various international security 
issues including transnational crimes.
    The two leaders agreed to cooperate in arms reduction and efforts to 
prevent the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery at a 
regional and global level.
    President Roh and President Bush agreed to continue to work together 
towards a full partnership between allies.

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