1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun had a virtual meeting with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) on the morning of December 17, and shared Korea-U.S. relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and Korea-Israel relations.

o The American Jewish Committee (AJC), established in 1906, is a Jewish advocacy organization in the U.S. with regional branches around the world, conducting various activities for safeguarding human rights and promoting democratic values.

2. Vice Minister Choi noted with appreciation that although they had a virtual meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the AJC delegation has continued to visit Korea and maintained relations with the country, and asked the AJC which has influence in various sectors of the U.S. to play an active role in promoting the future-oriented development of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

o Vice Minister Choi also explained that Korea, as an ally sharing democratic values, is committed to working together with the U.S. in contributing actively to tackling global challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change.

3. In addition, Vice Minister Choi stated that Korea will continue efforts to make progress in achieving complete denuclearization and establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiation based on close collaboration with the U.S. and support from the international community. He went on to ask for attention and support from the AJC which is well aware of the importance of peace.

4. Meanwhile, Vice Minister Choi explained that Korea, as the first Asian country to conclude the FTA with Israel, agreed to deepen and expand cooperation with Israel in various fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and self-driving cars, during their summit in 2019.

5. Ms. Harriet Schleifer, President of the AJC, noted that Korea is continuing close exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. and Israel as well as the AJC, and said that the AJC will continue to support the development of the Korea-U.S. alliance and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.