Clinton announces U.S. participation in Yeosu Expo

In an announcement timed for South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's state visit, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that her country will take part in a large-scale maritime festival to be held in the Asian nation's southwestern coastal city next year. "I'm proud to announce another new venue for cooperation: The United States will host a pavilion at the 2012 Yeosu World Expo in partnership with Philippe Cousteau Jr.," Clinton said at a state luncheon for the president and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok at the White House. Lee and President Barack Obama had summit talks earlier in the day. The secretary was referring to a famed environmentalist and social entrepreneur. She appreciated support from businesses for sponsorship of the public-private project. The Yeosu expo is slated to take place from May 12 through Aug. 12 in 2012. The event, which 108 countries and international organizations will attend, is expected to draw several million visitors. The State Department said in a press release that "participation in this expo demonstrates U.S. commitment to strengthening U.S.-ROK relations and engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and deepens our friendly ties with the people of the Republic of Korea."