U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense David Shear Describes Late Former South Korean President Kim Young Sam As A Vital Figure In Forging Strong U.S.-South Korea Ties
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense David Shear praised the late former South Korea President Kim Young Sam for his contributions in fostering the alliance between the two nations. Shear made the remark while paying his respect to the former president at the memorial altar set up at the South Korean Embassy in Washington D.C.
"I'm here today to convey my condolences on the passing of former President Kim Young-sam. He made great contributions to his country both in opposition and in government as well as to strengthening of the U.S.-Korean alliance", Shear told Yonhap News Wednesday.
"He will be in our memories. Again, our deepest sympathy to the Korean people and to the family of former President Kim," he added.
Ambassador Tom Shannon, a candidate for the undersecretary of state for political post, also visited the South Korean Embassy to pay his respect.
Shannon said Kim Young Sam helped build a U.S-South Korea relationship that was "based not only on common interests, but on common values and on a common vision of what our partnership could mean in Asia and in the Pacific."
Meanwhile in South Korea, Preparations are underway for the state funeral for former president Kim at on Thursday. The ceremony will be held at the National Assembly at 2 p.m., Korea Herald reported Wednesday.
The funeral will bring together the "Sangdo-dong" and "Donggyo-dong" factions in honor of Kim Young Sam who is well-remembered for his desire to resolve the country's deep-rooted regionalism through political and financial reforms.
Supporters of Kim said they want to "break down the regionalism by taking (the funeral) as an opportunity with the spirit of harmony and unity that he left."
Kim's funeral will be South Korea's first state funeral since the revision of the state funeral law in 2011.
More than 10,000 guests are expected to attend, including Kim's family, funeral committee members, and dignitaries.
Following the funeral services, the late former president will be buried at the Seoul National Cemetery.
