President Lee: 'Korea-U.S. alliance is a blood alliance'; Ambassador Sison: 'Korea-U.S. relations are firm'

President Lee Jae-myung met with the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Michelle Sison, emphasizing the "blood alliance" forged through sacrifice and expressing hopes for a stronger partnership. Lee stated his expectation that Sison, who has a deep understanding of Korean culture and society, will act as a crucial bridge to further develop the alliance. He believes that through rational and active dialogue and cooperation, bilateral issues can be smoothly resolved, leading to a more advanced relationship. The meeting also included the presentation of credentials from the ambassadors of Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and Ireland. Sison, born in Seoul in 1955, moved to the United States with her family in the mid-1970s. Her previous roles include serving as a member of the California State Board of Equalization and working with the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush.