Cheong Wa Dae senior secretary for civil affairs Chung Chan-yong said Friday that Ban, who has been serving as the presidential adviser for foreign affairs, "possess the capacity to straighten out matters and reform the [foreign service] organization, and to strengthen and concentrate the diplomatic abilities of the Participatory Government."

"We expect that he will be able to handle the tasks ahead smoothly, based on the confidence of friendly nations," said Chung. "Having held a wide range of important positions at the foreign ministry, Ban possesses a wide variety of experience. He will have the ability to exercise diplomatic capabilities on the international stage, based on ample understanding of the Participatory Government's diplomatic vision."

Chung went on to say that within the foreign ministry Ban is considered an expert at the business of government, and that he is a highly experienced diplomat who maintains harmonious personal relations. "We believe he will play a good role as minister for foreign ministry employees who are feeling tense," said Chung. Having served as a presidential advisor in Roh's government for 10 months, Ban "understands the foreign policy, position, and philosophy of President Roh Moo-hyun."

Ban, 60, graduated from Seoul National University's International Relations Department. Since passing the state examination for foreign service, he has served in the head of the foreign ministry's Policy Planning Office, the Cheong Wa Dae Senior Secretary for National Security and Foreign Affairs, Korea's ambassador to Austria, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and, under the Roh government, has been Presidential Adviser for Foreign Affairs.

Ra Jong-yil, National Security Advisor (right), Ban Ki-moon, the new Foreign Minister (middle), Kim Hee-sang, the National Defense Advisor (left) walk into an assembly hall for an advisory meeting.

"There have been voices of concern about a turn for the worse in Korean-American relations with the resignation of Minister Yoon Young-kwan," said Lee Jong-seok, the deputy head of the National Security Council. "There will be no change in the Korean-American alliance we have maintained and in cooperation."

Asked about the meaning of "independent diplomacy" on a radio show Friday, Cheong Wa Dae national security advisor Ra Jong-il said the concept is about "finding our own way to pursue our national interests."

President Roh invited outgoing foreign minister Yoon to have breakfast with him on Friday, and asked for his continued cooperation and advice. (Shin Jeong-nok, jrshin@chosun.com )