Ambassadors Reunion

[성김 대사]

In commemoration of this special anniversary year, five former U.S. Ambassadors to Korea and six former Korean Ambassadors to the U.S. recently gathered in Seoul for a wonderful reunion.  The event was organized by the Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Korea Foundation, and the U.S. Embassy as part of our celebration of the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea Alliance. 

The Ambassadors:  (from left) Chris Hill, Choi Young-jin, Hong Seok-hyun, Kathy Stephens, Han Sung-joo, Han Seung-soo, me, Tom Hubbard, Lee Hong-koo, Hyun Hong-choo, Don Gregg, Alexander Vershbow

The day began with a small, closed session to give the Ambassadors an opportunity to speak frankly about their experiences.  For me, this was a great opportunity to learn from my wonderful predecessors and their very distinguished Korean counterparts.  As I listened to their fascinating stories about their time in Seoul and Washington, I felt like a student again -- young and eager to learn.  I was reminded of the rich history between our two countries and just how lucky I am to be the U.S. Ambassador to Korea. 

While I was unable to attend the public session of the event, I understand it was very lively, with 350 participants and an additional 750 people joining online.  All the Ambassadors agreed that U.S.-Korea relations have never been better.  We are cooperating on a range of issues, not just on the Peninsula, but on global aspects such as climate change, countering human trafficking, and development assistance in Africa and Southeast Asia.  The U.S.-Korea partnership continues to mature and grow, and the next 60 years look even brighter, they all agreed.

Lively public session with former U.S. & ROK Ambassadors

As part of their visit, I invited the former U.S. Ambassadors to Korea to Habib House, the Ambassador’s residence, so that they could meet with the Residence staff who had supported them during their time in Korea and who continue their dedicated work for our Embassy.  Both the Ambassadors and the Residence staff thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see each other again.

Reminiscing about the good old days with the Residence staff

While these former U.S. Ambassadors no longer serve in Korea, their ties and affinity for Korea are still very strong.  I know that I will always treasure my time as Ambassador here and I look forward in the future to returning to Korea and sharing my own stories as well.

[Mrs.Fields]

useful reunion!