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M. Pompeo: Address to Peace Summit 2023, Opening Plenary
Written by Hon. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State (2018-2021), USA
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
Good morning! It’s wonderful to be here today in Seoul with all of you for Peace Summit 2023.
I’d like to begin by recognizing the work of Dr. Moon. Her tireless work to promote religious freedom has been a blessing to so many. Bless you, Madame, and we congratulate you on this wonderful occasion in which we are celebrating your 80th Birthday.
I’d like to also express my gratitude for the work of the Universal Peace Federation. It is more important than ever to bring individuals together who are committed to working towards peace rather than conflict.
Today, it seems ever more apparent that the balance of peace throughout the world is shifting. You all are here today because you know this. The Washington Times, which Dr. Moon and her late husband founded, has been a tremendous force in America and throughout the world in fighting tyranny by promoting faith, family and freedom.
Threats to Peace
Over one year ago, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. That war continues today. It has taken the lives of so many innocent Ukrainians, and it has displaced even more. Having been to Kyiv recently, I can tell you that the destruction is real. It is in our best interests to help Ukraine defend itself, because the fate of the Ukrainian people is not the only thing at stake. Xi Jinping is watching what happens there, and he continues to menace and threaten the free nation of Taiwan.
In Tehran, the Ayatollah continues to enrich uranium and work towards the building of a nuclear weapon. This would undoubtedly be used to threaten and even attack the nation of Israel.
With these threats to peace comes an increasing threat to global religious freedom, something I worked tirelessly to defend as Secretary of State. These threats are why we are here. In the coming days, I encourage all of you to think about these problems and how we can best solve them together.
Conclusion: Reasons for Hope
I’ll close with this: These threats to peace are not the end of the story. In Ukraine, I saw much devastation, but I also saw so many things that gave me hope. The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people is inspiring.
It is in the vital national interest of the United States to continue to support them in their fight.
It is in our best interests to stand against our strategic adversaries. W\;e cannot stand alone, though. We must act together.
Clear strategies, strong deterrence, and powerful alliances among nations who oppose these threats to freedom is the way forward. I encourage all of you to think about this throughout your time here.
Thank you, and God Bless you!
To go to the Peace Summit 2023 Schedule page, click here.