presenting the global leaders forum with the president of korea. before we begin, first, president moon will be entering the room shortly. it would be nice if we gave him a warm welcome. the speech will be in korean. that's why you all have headsets for simultaneous interpretation, and his speech will be followed by a short q&a that will be done consecutively. president moon finishes his speech and answers questions. we ask that you all remain in your seats until he and his security detail have exited the hall. we take our security very seriously. we have exits to the back and to the front, if there are problems. ladies and gentlemen, if you could all rise for the president

of the republic of korea, moon jae-in. [applause] victor: to begin the evening and to introduce our guest of honor, i'm going to turn the stage over

to john hamre, president and c.e.o. of csis. john: good afternoon, everybody. i am so delighted to see you here. i was meeting with president moon and i said, i don't think anybody could bring out a crowd like this on a friday before a long holiday weekend. [laughter] it's a miracle. i think it actually is a testament to how important your leadership has become. korea has gone through a tremendous constitutional crisis. it was the biggest challenge that korea's had in its constitutional history. and they came through it with flying colors. we should all be very grateful for the calm leadership that the political leadership of korea gave. president moon, you were very good in making sure that the place was calm and democratic process would prevail. congratulations.

we're very happy for that. we're delighted that you're here, president moon. ladies and gentlemen, he's going to give some brief remarks and then we're going to have some question-answer. we don't have a lot of time tonight. i don't think i should take any more of it. i think you should right now welcome president moon jae-in with your applause. [applause] [applause] president moon: thank you very much. respected president and c.e.o., dr. john hamre, distinguished guests.

i chose the united states as the first destination of my overseas trip as president, and i'm very delighted to meet you today. since taking office, i had a telephone call with president trump first before meeting him in person. president trump, during our conversation, emphasized that the alliance between the republic of korea and the united states was not simply a good alliance, but a great alliance. words that left me with a powerful impression. that is why the title of my remarks, as well as the preamble of the joint statement include the word great alliance. distinguished participants, standing here today, i would like to reaffirm with you together the friendship korea and the united states have built for more than a century.

in 1885, the first modern hospital in korea was founded by an american missionary, dr. horace allen. american missionaries led the establishment of modern institutions for education and medicine in korea. while backing the koreans' independence movement against a japanese occupation. the united states intelligence agency worked with our provisional government and supported our military exercises. in 1950, the most tragic war in korea's history broke out. two days ago, the first place i visited after my arrival here was the reservoir battle memorial. this battle was recorded as one of the most fiercely fought battles of the korean war. in which the u.s. first marine division endured what was even

colder than hell to fight. they broke through the siege of the enemies who outnumbered them 10 times as many, and in the end succeeded in stalling the chinese advancement. the evacuation was made possible. it was an operation where refugees were evacuated by american soldiers. it was the largest humanitarian operation that was ever seen in human history. at the time, the u.s. cargo ship dumped all weapons of war supplies into the sea and took in the refugees in the cargo compartment. as many as 14,000 refugees boarded the ship for life. among them, one of my own parents. the victory departed on december 23, my sister's birthday.

and arrived on december 25 in the southern land in the republic of korea. without a single casualty, it was the voyage of freedom and human rights. five new lives were also born during the voyage. it was indeed the miracle of christmas. two years after, where the victory had arrived, i was born. and today, the son of the refugees that american soldiers rescued became president and has come here to meet you. honored guests, after the war, korea has shown the world a remarkable development and growth, as you have already witnessed. the two wheels that drove korean

development, democracy, and market economy were what america disseminated to korea. the core values our countries have come to share. over the last seven decades, the r.o.c.-u.s. alliance became not only a linchpin of peace and stability on the korean peninsula, but also contributed significantly to economic and democratic advancement of korea. this is what korean people know all too well. a foundation for growth and development of korea was laid by the united states. a treasured ally we're grateful to. likewise, korea as an important ally for the united states, played a role in the u.s. leadership in the asia-pacific and its prosperity. that alliance progressed and expanded. many people in our two countries came to interact, influencing expanded. each other in diverse fields ranging from religion, culture to academic disciplines. a soldier who guarded the strong

hold in the battle of the reservoir and a crewman who sailed the victory are in one way or another connected to my life today. just as so, the relations between korea and the united states are connected not only between our two countries and governments, but between our people. ladies and gentlemen, there is a saying in korea, a deeply rooted tree never sways in the wind, and deep spring water never runs dry. this speaks volumes about our bilateral relationship. over the course of time, we have formed our friendship and let it take root. the r.o.c.-u.s. alliance moved forward in tandem with the history of korea. this alliance runs deep and strong. our alliance will never sway. and to this, my commitment remains firm. distinguished participants, recently korea went through an unprecedented political crisis.

a crisis that was turned into an opportunity by the korean people. in the most peaceful and beautiful way, koreans restored democracy and the constitution and gave birth to a new government. this is what korean people call candlelight revolution. you will also agree that the korean people's candlelight revolution set an example of the world for a vibrant democracy played out in the public square. the candlelight revolution marks the beginning for me as president. korea is undertaking change to become a more democratic, equitable and just country. this is what the people through the candlelight revolution have demanded me to undertake. answering this call is my responsibility as president.

this prompted people to voice concern over the future of the r.o.c.-u.s. alliance. the discussion taking place inside the korean government on this issue is about a process for ensuring democratic legitimacy and procedural transparency. this is a matter of crucial importance to my government that was born on the candlelight revolution. i respect the decision made by korea and the united states. however, the korean government's endeavors to observe the due process of law will prove to be beneficial also to the advancement of our alliance. on that note, i ask for your deep understanding and support. ladies and gentlemen, let me now share my thoughts on great alliance, the title of my speech today. the alliance between our two countries is already a great one. still, it can be made even greater.

i found that spirit in the battle of the reservoir. the divisional commander smith, who led that heroic battle, called the evacuation operation an attack in a new direction, not a retreat. this is what defines the spirit of our alliance. ahead of us awaits a special undertaking. an undertaking that has remained unsolved for the last 20 years as a historic conundrum. it is none other than nuclear and missile programs of north korea. a threat that is already spreading beyond the boundaries of the korean peninsula toward the united states. even as we face the most imminent and dangerous menace in the world, we should no longer continue to retreat, but move forward and take a new leap toward the future. this is how we can elevate the alliance to the next level,

making it not just a good alliance but a great one. a great alliance is the one that brings peace. korea and the united states already agreed on initiatives for peace on the korean peninsula. the september 19 joint statement adopted at the six party talks in october and 2007 reaffirms the 2005 statement, those comprehensively dealt with the complete dismantlement of the north korean nuclear program and establishment of a peace regime on the korean peninsula. without doubt, there were close coordination between korea and the united states. calling for peace is one thing. but making it happen involves extremely arduous endeavors. the truth that was driven home to us was never translated into any action for 10 years, even

after its implemented procedures were agreed upon. moreover, the regime of the north has a misguided conviction that nuclear weapons and missiles will keep itself in tact. notwithstanding this, i'm confident it now presents an opportunity to restart this daunting task. president trump made tackling the north nuclear and missile problems his top foreign policy priority, a decision that no previous u.s. government has made made thus far. this is why i believe we have a better chance of solving the issue now. i'm committed to doing my utmost to leverage this opportunity. r.o.c.-u.s. alliance should be our priority. the republic of korea, together with the united states will embark on a journey toward a peaceful and prosperous korean

peninsula. distinguished guests. this is a journey for a great alliance. this will be a long one, starting from denuclearization of the korean peninsula and heading toward civility and peace in the whole of northeast asia. our new direction should guide us away from strategic patience and bring back north korea to the negotiating table, with all available means mobilized. provocations by the north must be met with a stern and firm response. yet at the same time, engaging in dialogue with chairman kim jong un is also necessary. for he's the only one who can decide to denuclearize their weapons. for such dialogue, our goal is crystal clear, to induce pyongyang to make its own decisions on nuclear dismantlement. korea is a party directly concerned with korean peninsula issues.

as a direct stakeholder and also to never repeat the tragedy of another devastating war, korea will assume a leading role more so than before. if korea improves its relations with north korea in close corroboration with the u.s., the community of nations, including the u.s., will also be able to build better relations with the north in due course. ladies and gentlemen, yesterday i had an in depth dialogue with president trump on this vision that i have. we concurred to work more proactively to preserve and build peace. let me make myself clear here today. president trump and i do not pursue hostile policies against north korea. we have no intention to attack north korea. we have no wish to see its regime replaced or collapsed. and we have no plans to artificially accelerate

reunification on the korean peninsula. yet, let us also make it clear to north korea, without a doubt north korea must understand that denuclearization is the only way to guarantee its security and economic development. the north must determine its own destiny. it cannot and should not blame others for its own fate. the door to dialogue is wide open. north korea stands at a critical crossroads. i sincerely urge pyongyang to exercise prudence and seize an opportunity for peace and prosperity. if north korea makes the right choice, i am ready to join and walk together on a path towards

peace and prosperity myself. ladies and gentlemen, beyond the north korean nuclear issue await numerous other challenges. stability and prosperity in northeast asia must be promoted. terrorism, environmental problems, refugees, starvation, infectious diseases and other issues do require our concerted efforts. restoring democracy, peace, human rights and other values of democracy in northeast asia and beyond, this is a way for us to demonstrate the significance of our alliance in contributing to world peace. our two countries will build on our robust alliance to further strengthen our global partnership. we will reinforce our coalition in the fight against global terrorism, and broaden the efforts for peace and reconstruction in iraq, syria and afghanistan. among others. esteemed participants, the most formidable obstacle to alliance is complacency. the tasks confronting us are never an easy job and unforeseen hardship may surface.

yet, we share a common goal, as well as experience and foresight gained in the course of surmounting adversities. we must believe in ourselves and take action. we must make sure that north korea choose by itself the path toward peace. when it's chosen of its own accord, it can be sustainable. on that note i ask for your support on the faith i have. if our alliance is to transcend our two countries, contribute to promoting peace and rebuilding values in northeast asia and the world, and to rise as a great alliance, we must pool our strength together. in particular, to the bereaved family members of mr. warmbier and the american people, i convey my deepest condolences. family is the root of our lives

and the fruit they bear, as a parent myself and a leader of a u.s. ally, i also feel the shock and grief of mr. warmbier's family and american citizens myself that have been caused by the brutalities of north korea. i feel a sense of responsibility myself that an unforeseen parting with mr. warmbier should not mean the loss of everything to his family. under no circumstances should the value of family and human rights be tarnished. together with you, i will never cease in my pursuit to preserve the values that we all cherish. to safeguard american citizens, including the u.s. military personnel, as well as my own people on the korean soil, if not for anything else, there must be a solution to the north korean nuclear quagmire. as i stand before you today, i feel more resolute than ever before and once again i thank you for your time today. [applause]

john: ladies and gentlemen, we have -- i know everybody here wants to ask a question. but we don't have the time. the president's here a very short period. so, i have taken the privilege -- i'm not even letting myself ask a question. but i've picked three professionals and they're going to ask questions on behalf of all of us. so let me ask first, catherine. i think she just finished her ph.d., i believe. i'll ask you to give the first question, please. questioner: thank you. thank you, president moon, for being here this evening. an honor to be here for your first visit. appreciate your remarks. you touched on a lot of areas of enduring cooperation and our alliance. as we all know, this is a time of great challenge and uncertainty in the world, however.

but fortunately times of great challenge and uncertainty also bring opportunity. i was wondering if could you talk a little bit about whether you see opportunities for new areas of cooperation in the alliance in the present era? thank you. interpreter: [speaking korean] interpreter: [speaking korean]

president moon: i believe that the most serious threat that korea and the united states face together would be the north korean nuclear threat. but i believe the crisis is also an opportunity. if we were to -- if you're able to peacefully resolve the north korean nuclear issue, then this would also lead the way to establishing a peace regime on the korean peninsula. and the peace regime on the korean peninsula would also lead to economic cooperation between south and north korea and the establishment of an economic community that would comprise of

the total population of 80 million koreans. and i believe that the korean economy would be available to further expand towards china, siberia, russia and europe. i believe that this will lead to new growth in korea's economy and also new economic opportunities for both korea and the united states. john: ok. josh logan, you get the next one. questioner: thank you very much. mr. president, thank you very much.

mr. president, the trump administration has publicly rejected any deal that would involve reducing the scale or pace of u.s.-south korean military exercises in exchange for north korea freezing its nuclear or missile testing. but one of your senior advisors recently in washington said that if north korea proposes such a deal, the south korean government would ask the united states to agree to such a concession. was this discussed in your meeting with president trump? are you in fact advocating for such an exchange? if not, what are the concessions that the u.s. or south korea should make in order to begin engagement with north korea? and finally, president trump said yesterday, i think we have a, quote, "i think we have a very, very strong, solid plan." do you know what that plan is? if so, can you please tell us?

[laughter] interpreter: [speaking korean]

[laughter] president moon: first of all, i would like to point out that north korea's nuclear and missile provocations are illegal activities which violate both the various u.n. security council resolutions and international norms.

whereas the military exercises jointly conducted by korea and the united states are military exercises of a defensive nature that have been conducted for a very long time. this is a legitimate exercise. i believe we cannot trade an illicit activity for something that is legal. furthermore, i believe that we cannot reward bad behavior. and that is why i believe that we maintain -- we have long

maintained the position, both korea and the united states, that we cannot stop or cease combined military exercises as a condition or a concession or condition for north korea's nuclear -- to stopping north korea's nuclear tests. and that position remains unchanged. i believe speaking not on behalf of myself, but on his personal opinion. president trump himself also mentioned that under the right conditions, we can have dialogue with north korea.

so that raises the question, when are the right conditions fostered, and what are the conditions that enable us to engage in dialogue? i believe we must put our wisdom together in order to find the answer to these questions. for example, maybe we can start dialogue with north korea when north korea promises to stop its nuclear and missile provocations.

or another example could be when north korea releases the three american citizens that it is currently detaining. maybe that could be a start condition for dialogue. but i believe that at this very moment, we cannot say for clear what is the exact right condition. we would have to continue to keep an eye on the political situation, and korea and the united states will closely coordinate and communicate our mutual position. and on that point, president trump and i have an agreement.

and again, regarding the question of under what conditions can we have dialogue with north korea, i would like to ask all of you are today, all the bright minds here to pitching your wisdom so we can find an answer. -- pitch in your wisdom so we can find an answer. if the entrance to dialogue with north korea is a freeze of north korea's nuclear and missile tests, i believe the exit or eventual goal would be the complete dismantlement of north korea's nuclear program.

and i believe that beginning from the freeze of nuclear missiles and capabilities all the way to the complete dismantlement, i believe we can take measures on a step-by-step basis. step must be completely verified. regarding this issue, we will continue to closely coordinate with the american government. the last question is going to be scott kennedy. >> thank you so much for being here and for your remarks. i want to ask a question about china-south korea relations.

china has been consistently inosed to the installation south korea. they took actions to show their displeasure. -- do you plan to aggressive to address the current difficulties with your relationship with china? korean]or: [speaking

pres. jae-in: the biggest pressing issue currently in korea-china bilateral relations is china's strong opposition to that deployment, and china's economic measures in order to force a hand in korea's decision. because of those economic retaliatory measures, we assess that the korean economy has been afflicted about $8 million of damages. -- $8 billion of damages.

one thing i would like to make very clear is that the decision to deploy or not is an issue of sovereignty of the republic of korea. i believe that it is not right try tona to unfairly influence korea's sovereign decisions. furthermore, we hope to separate the political and military issues with other issues such as economic, cultural, and people to people exchanges.

i, of course, understand that china has some concerns regarding that deployment, but such economic retaliatory measures are not just. i would like to strongly urge china to lift these measures. yet it is true that before we made public the decision to deploy that, we did not engage

in sufficient -- the korean government did not engage in sufficient diplomatic discussions with china regarding this issue. from now on, the korean government will perceive with domestic procedures such as the .nvironmental impact assessment procedures, and particular securing the procedural legitimacy of the deployment, i have mentioned this to president trump and asked for his understanding.

and in the process, i believe we can sufficiently discuss this issue with the chinese, as well. and regarding this issue, i would also like to ask for the corporation of the united states . thank you. beforees and gentlemen, i let you think the president, i would ask you to stay here. we have to get them out quickly. please stay here until the president gets out. now you can thank him with your applause. [applause]

[indiscernible] >> in 2010, border patrol agent jesus mesa killed a 15-year-old who was unarmed and on the mexican side of the border. lower court ruled that mesa had qualified immunity which means he could not be sued. the supreme court is agreed with the lower court's conclusion that mr. mesa was entitled to immunity. >> the argument this morning, hernandez versus mesa. mr.