George H.W. Bush: “in Seoul January 6, 1992 Mr. President, Mrs. Roh, distinguished guests, tonight we have much to celebrate, first and…”

“in Seoul January 6, 1992 Mr. President, Mrs. Roh, distinguished guests, tonight we have much to celebrate, first and foremost our solid alliance. Many think that our partnership was born that moment 40 years ago when we joined forces against aggression. But it dates back over a century. When your nation looked outward for diplomatic and commercial opportunity, it looked then first to the United States. Today, our alliance has grown into a political, economic, and security partnership. I assure you, our commitment will continue well into the 21st century. As you said, Mr. President, during your visit to the White House, ``Democracy in Korea is on course and is moving inexorably forward.'' Through hard work and commitment, the Republic of Korea has moved from a war-ravaged past to a prosperous present and an enviable future. This republic's progress in resolving differences with your brothers in the North is a great step in the journey toward the day when all of Korea is free. I admire your steadfastness and commitment to a peaceful resolution. The many successes of your Nordpolitik policy, your enhanced relations with Russia and China, your active dialog with North Korea, move us closer to that day. If North Korea can truly abandon not only its nuclear weapons program but its belligerence as well, that ribbon of land at the 38th parallel will no longer divide this nation. Mr. President, we know each other well; I know you are a modest man.…”