Han Dong-hoon, right, head of the ruling People Power Party, shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg during the latter's visit to the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader expressed expectations Friday that the Korea-United States alliance can further strengthen their cooperation as countries that pursue peace, freedom and democracy in his meeting with the top U.S. envoy in Seoul.

"Korea and the U.S. share the same values such as liberal democracy," PPP chief Han Don-hoon said during his talks with U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Philip Goldberg at the National Assembly.

"This year marks the 71st anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and it is because of our shared core values that our alliance has lasted this long," he said.

Han noted that the motto of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division stationed here — "Second to None" — shows their strong alliance.

Goldberg emphasized that the military alliance of the two countries, forged by blood during the 1950-53 Korean War, has developed into a comprehensive global partnership that spans trade, education and diplomacy.

He also stressed the two countries share a commitment to promote values such as democracy, freedom and human rights, and to defend them wherever they are threatened. (Yonhap)