U.S. Ambassador Steele: “We must handle sensitive conversations responsibly and maintain trust in our alliance.”

Interview-style video on the 100th day of inauguration… “The ROK-US alliance is important because we can trust it at the most important moments.”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Ji-heon = U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel mentioned the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance and said, "We have a responsibility to fulfill our promises (for the next generation), handle sensitive conversations responsibly, and maintain the trust that is the foundation of the alliance."

Ambassador Steele, who recently celebrated his 100th day in office, emphasized the need to "provide the next generation with security to plan their future" in an interview-style YouTube video released by the U.S. Embassy in Korea on the 9th to commemorate the occasion.

When asked, 'What would you say to young Koreans who ask why the ROK-US alliance is still important?', he emphasized, "The ROK-US alliance is important in that we can trust each other at the most important moments."

Looking back after his inauguration, Ambassador Steele said, “It was an opportunity to hear directly from Koreans their hopes and concerns and what the ROK-US relationship means to them.”

He cited three goals as ambassador, including "modernizing the ROK-U.S. alliance, expanding economic opportunities, and cooperation with Korea to solve regional challenges," and said, "None of this can be achieved without trust and communication."

When asked what Korea's investment in the United States means to Koreans, Ambassador Steele said, "It is a question that can be asked well." Citing the example of the shipbuilding industry, he emphasized, "It strengthens the competitiveness of American shipyards and creates business opportunities for Korean partner companies," and "It can be a win-win for both countries."

He also mentioned Korean battery companies investing in the U.S., such as LG Energy Solutions and Samsung SDI, and added, "They supply power to U.S. data centers and create jobs on both sides of the Pacific. We need to explain this connection and tell Korea specifically what it will gain."

Regarding cooperation in the field of small module reactors (SMR, 300,000 kW power generation capacity) and nuclear power, he said, "Korea has strengths in construction and heavy industry, while the United States has strengths in nuclear reactor design, related services, and waste disposal." He added, "By combining America's innovation with Korea's nuclear engineering and construction experience, the two countries are seeking new opportunities in the U.S. and regional markets."

Regarding cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan, he said, "All three countries have strengths that can be leveraged by each other," and "Sharing information and coordinating cooperation helps respond to supply disruptions and address common security challenges."

This video was filmed in the form of an interview with Nicholas Namba, Counselor for Public Affairs and Public Affairs at the Embassy, ​​at the embassy's residence, 'Habib House' in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Ambassador Steele entered Korea and took office on July 30th.