Roh told his guests that the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. had not changed over the past decade and would not change in the future. He also said that the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which is "closer and more exemplary than any other alliances," ensured South Korea's national security as well as peace and prosperity in North East Asia.

Roh also said that the current role of the USFK was invaluable for the permanent peace of the peninsula and security of Northeast Asia. He added that close cooperation between the two countries would be sought out before relocating the USFK army base from Yongsan.

Roh said that solving the North Korean nuclear problem through peaceful means was the South's matter of highest priority, and added that he expected satisfactory results from the second round of the six-nation talks in Beijing.

Attending the meeting were the USFK Commander Leon J. LaPorte, U.S. Ambassador Thomas Hubbard, American Chamber of Commerce Chairman William Oberlin, Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan, Defense Minister Cho Yung-gil, National Assembly Defense Committee Chairman Chang Young-dal, and about 200 other guests. (Choi Won-kyu, wkchoi@chosun.com )