Rep. Kelly Co-Authors Bipartisan Letter to South Korean President Expressing Support for “Reunified Korea Free of Tyranny”

Bipartisan letter to President Park follows
historic visit to Republic of Korea by Pope Francis

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Korea – issued the following statement today after sending a bipartisan letter to President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) which he co-authored with fellow Korea caucus co-chairman Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA). The letter offers congratulations to President Park for hosting a successful visit by Pope Francis to South Korea last month, as well as expresses support for President Park’s recently-launched “Presidential Committee on Reunification” and “the trust-building process on the Korean Peninsula.” A copy of the letter – signed by 14 Members of Congress – can be viewed here.

Text of Rep. Kelly & Rep. Connolly’s letter:

“We are writing to congratulate you on the successful visit by‎ His Holiness Pope Francis to Korea last month. The visit not only highlighted but confirmed the important leadership role that Korea is actively playing in the Asia-Pacific region. Korea is a key U.S. ally, indispensable partner and friend, and our shared values have served as a cornerstone to freedom and prosperity.

“We applaud your strong leadership and conviction especially in light of the continued acts of destabilization by North Korea throughout the past year. We support your efforts to maintain a firm and consistent posture against any threats and provocations by North Korea, while also seeking avenues for peaceful dialogue with the North for the eventual reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

“To this end, we affirm the Pope's conveyance of his ‘appreciation for the efforts being made in favor of reconciliation and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and to encourage those efforts, for they are the only sure path to lasting peace.’ We further wish to express our support for the goals and vision that you eloquently articulated in your Dresden Address on reunification on March 28th. In particular, we wish to commend your initiatives aimed at increased family reunions, targeted humanitarian assistance and promotion of educational and cultural exchange programs.

“We are also aware that a Presidential Committee on Reunification has been established with the intent to be both ‘concrete and operational.’ We congratulate you on the creation of this important committee. And as you stated in your Joint Meeting of the Congress address to us last year, the trust-building process on the Korean Peninsula is an important policy priority, firmly rooted in the U.S.-Korea alliance, and we further applaud your efforts to create an international Peace Park at the DMZ.

“Madam President, we reiterate our support for your initiative for peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia as well as your goals and vision outlined in your Dresden Address. May we one day see a reunified Korea free of tyranny, oppression and suffering and we look forward to partnering with you in the United States Congress to realize this important and shared objective.”

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