The chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said Wednesday he understands South Korean President Park Geun-hye's decision to postpone her trip to Washington.
Park had planned to visit the U.S. next week, but put it off at the last minute earlier Wednesday in order to oversee South Korea's response to the massive outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome that has sickened 108 people and claimed nine lives.
The decision reflected her commitment to containing the viral disease amid public criticism that the government bungled its initial response.
"We understand it was postponed and we understand why. Our hearts go out, our prayers are with the families. We understand the outbreak and the head of state is dealing with that in South Korea right now," Royce said at a Wilson Center ceremony to launch a Korean program.
"But the trip will come later and my expectation is that she will be as well received here as she was in her last visit," he said, referring to Park's last visit to Washington in May 2013 that came less than three months after she took office.
Royce also recalled Park's speech at a joint session of Congress during her last visit, calling it a "very dynamic, powerful address."
"I've had the opportunity since to talk about many of the issues that she brought up and I think the United States and South Korea continue to make great strides together," he said.
Later in the day, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) sent a letter to President Park, expressing his sadness about the postponement.
"I am disheartened to hear that your visit to Washington, D.C. was postponed due to the growing threat of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreak in South Korea," Rangel said.
"I know this is a very difficult time for the South Korean people and would like to send my deepest sympathy to the victims of this deadly virus. I express my utmost confidence in your ability to lead the people of your beautiful country out of this crisis," he said.
Earlier in the day, the White House said U.S. President Barack Obama looks forward to welcoming Park "at a mutually convenient time in the future to discuss the U.S.-Korea alliance and the critical role it plays in assuring regional stability and security."
State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke made a similar comment. (Yonhap)
