Lee voices hope for new US ambassador to serve as ‘strong bridge’ for alliance

President Lee Jae Myung expressed optimism during his initial meeting with the newly appointed US Ambassador Michelle Steel on Wednesday, stating his belief that she would act as a "strong bridge" to further enhance and progress the alliance between the two nations. The remarks were made during a private conversation following a ceremony at the Blue House, where Steel and several other ambassadors presented their credentials.

According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, Lee expressed confidence that the various outstanding issues between their countries could be efficiently resolved through constructive dialogue and collaboration, further advancing bilateral relations.

It is customary for a newly appointed ambassador to present the head of state of the represented country with a letter of credence from their own country. Steel conveyed her enthusiasm about the posting to Korea and pledged to maintain active communication with the Korean government and people, striving for mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations.

Steel, a Korean American politician from California, had served two terms in the US House of Representatives as part of the Republican Party. She was accompanied at the ceremony by her husband, Shawn Steel, a prominent Republican politician.

In addition to meeting Steel, President Lee also received letters of credence from the Portuguese Ambassador Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Jamal Abdullah Al Suwaidi, and the Irish Ambassador Sean Hoy.