Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) recently traveled to Republic of Korea to discuss nuclear and military agreements between the two countries, as well as free trade and other bilateral issues.
Kinzinger, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, played a central role in getting a two-year extension of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement approved by Congress earlier this year.
“The United States has a proud history of exporting our safe and reliable nuclear technology to trusted partners around the world,” Kinzinger said. “The Republic of Korea is a key ally in the Asia Pacific region and I strongly support a long-term agreement that contributes to strengthening our mutual security alliance and forging deeper nuclear trade ties that will create jobs in the United States.”
Kinzinger told government officials that he would also work to continue U.S.-Republic of Korea military and security partnerships, which ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the ability to counter any North Korean threats.
Kinzinger also discussed the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement with business leaders during the trip, which enables companies from Kinzinger’s home state of Illinois to export more than $900 million in goods annually.
During a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Kinzinger received a briefing and met with U.S. troops stationed there.
“As a guardsman and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I appreciate the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces defending freedom around the world,” Kinzinger said. “Nowhere is that service and sacrifice more worthwhile than in the Republic of Korea – a nation that is arguably the greatest foreign policy success story of the United States, post World War II.”