Press Release

For Immediate Release
April 6, 2010

Congressman Crowley Hosts Event with Korean Ambassador

Crowley and the Ambassador Discuss Important Issues of Interest

with Korean-American Community

Bronx, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D- the Bronx, Queens) held a public discussion with Han Duk-soo, the South Korean Ambassador to the United States, and members of New York’s Korean-American community.  Prior to becoming the Ambassador, Han Duk-soo served as the Prime Minister of South Korea from 2007-2008.  The event, which took place in Congressman Crowley’s office in the Bronx, brought together members of one of the United States’ rapidly-growing communities to discuss issues of importance in U.S.-Korean relations.  In particular, the discussion focused on security, foreign relations, culture and commerce. 

“I am honored that the distinguished Korean Ambassador joined us in the Bronx to discuss issues of mutual importance and to meet residents of the Bronx and Queens,” said Congressman Crowley.  “South Korea is an important democratic country and an essential ally of the United States.  Our long-standing strategic and economic relationship with South Korea represents a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and I am committed to maintaining our nations’ strong relationship.”

“I am happy to be here with Congressman Crowley to meet with the people of the Bronx and Queens, where we can communicate face-to-face and establish understanding about the importance of strong foreign relations, cultural ties and trade relations between our two countries,” said Ambassador Duk-soo.

There are approximately 1.6 million Korean-Americans, a growing and important part of the United States.  The United States maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea, and the U.S. and South Korea have a Mutual Defense Treaty under which both countries have pledged to protect each other in the event of attack.  South Korea is also the 7th largest trading partner of the United States, and the 13th largest economy in the world. 

Added Congressman Crowley, “It’s no secret that the world is shrinking, and the more we can interact with leaders from other countries, face-to-face, the better.  I believe that meetings like this benefit both the people of New York as well as our partners overseas.”

Congressman Crowley, a six-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, represents New York’s 7th Congressional district (the Bronx, Queens), which is one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the United States.  The Congressman serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which oversees U.S. international relations.  Aside from hosting a visit by the Ambassador of Korea, Crowley has also brought Ambassadors from Ukraine, Colombia and France to the 7th Congressional district.

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