Menendez, Risch Lead Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Alliance with Republic of Korea

WASHINGTON -Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today were joined by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in introducing a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the United States' dedication to the Republic of Korea as a crucial ally. The resolution comes in advance of Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in's scheduled visit to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and members of Congress in May.

'I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the enduring U.S.-ROK partnership, which serves as the linchpin of U.S. national security interests in the Asia-Pacific region,' Chairman Menendez said. 'As we together confront the significant threats posed by the advancement of North Korea's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, I look forward to working with President Moon to forge a path forward that furthers our countries' shared interests and values while fostering stability and peace in the Korean peninsula. We celebrate our alliance, rededicate ourselves to deepening and broadening our partnership in the region and around the globe, and pledge to build a comprehensive alliance that advances our mutual security and prosperity.'

'The United States-Republic of Korea alliance is essential for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Our close coordination is critical to confronting the challenges posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and on other regional security challenges,' said Ranking Member Risch. 'I join my colleagues in welcoming President Moon's visit to the United States to continue our cooperation and ensure our alliance remains strong and effective.'

'The U.S.-ROK alliance is the linchpin for regional peace and stability,' said Senator Markey. 'I welcome President Moon's visit as a reaffirmation of this ironclad partnership as we continue to combat challenges such as the climate crisis, repelling the march of authoritarianism in the region, and reducing the North Korean threat. I look forward to working with the Moon and Biden administrations to achieve practical steps toward the denuclearization of and a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.'

'With this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea,' Senator Romney said. 'We must stand together confront the challenges we face in the region and around the world, including the threats posed by North Korea's nuclear capabilities. We welcome President Moon and look forward to the continued partnership between our countries.'

Find a copy of the resolution HERE.