Pyeongtaek City Hosts 2020 Korea-U.S. Friendship New Year Reception
Suwon NewsPublished 2020.01.11 18:19
Key commanders from Korean and U.S. militaries and first deputy director of Blue House National Security Office gathered in one placeReaffirming the solid and mature Korea-U.S. alliance
[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Seo Dong-young] Pyeongtaek City successfully held the '2020 Korea-U.S. Friendship New Year Reception' on the 10th at JNJ Art Convention, inviting some 40 key civil, military and administrative officials stationed in Pyeongtaek.
The reception was attended by Mayor Jeong Jang-seon of Pyeongtaek City, Chairman of the Pyeongtaek City Council Kwon Young-hwa, National Assembly members Won Yu-cheol and Ryu Ui-dong, and other major commanders from the Korean and U.S. militaries including Commander William Bills of the U.S. Eighth Army, Vice Commander Mayer of the United Nations Command, Commander Son Dae-kwon of the 51st Division, and Commander Yu Geun-jong of the Navy's Second Fleet, as well as heads of major local organizations.
Notably, in an unusual move for a local government event, Kim Yu-geun, first deputy director of the Blue House National Security Office, and Kim Hyun-jong, secretary for defense reform, attended as special guests, adding significance to the event in reaffirming the Korea-U.S. alliance and strengthening friendly cooperation.
The reception proceeded with a banquet, viewing of videos about the U.S. Forces Korea Pyeongtaek era activities, introduction of guests, welcome remarks, cake cutting, and performances. Cultural events also included a choir performance by children from the Paengseong area where Humphreys Base is located and a dynamic Pyeongtaek farmers' dance performance expressing hopes for the new year.
The reception proceeded with a banquet, viewing of videos about the U.S. Forces Korea Pyeongtaek era activities, introduction of guests, welcome remarks, cake cutting, and performances. Cultural events also included a choir performance by children from the Paengseong area where Humphreys Base is located and a dynamic Pyeongtaek farmers' dance performance expressing hopes for the new year.
Mayor Jeong Jang-seon said in his welcome remarks, "Over the past year, as a result of our efforts to create a foundation for citizens and the U.S. military to coexist harmoniously, we have achieved meaningful results in various fields," and "Pyeongtaek City will continue to make every effort for a solid Korea-U.S. alliance."
Kim Yu-geun, first deputy director of the Blue House National Security Office, said, "I highly appreciate Pyeongtaek City's multifaceted efforts for strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and the stable settlement of U.S. Forces Korea," and "I urge continued support and cooperation to develop the Korea-U.S. alliance into an even greater alliance."
Commander William Bills of the U.S. Eighth Army said, "Pyeongtaek City is at the center of the Republic of Korea's economy and security, and Humphreys Base, the largest U.S. military single base overseas, is growing and prospering together," and "Going forward, we will maintain a genuine friendly cooperative relationship with Pyeongtaek City through various exchanges and cultural sharing like today's New Year reception."
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