The Korea America Friendship Society commemorated the military alliance forged between the United States and South Korea 60 years ago and their enduring friendship by hosting some 200 business, military and community leaders in a dinner reception in Seoul on Thursday.

Han Chul-soo, president of the organization, hosted South Koreans and Americans who have worked hard to maintain the alliance and build genuine friendships between U.S. armed forces stationed here and locals, including Leslie A. Bassett, deputy chief of mission for the U.S. Embassy here, and Gen. Park Sung-woo, deputy commander for the Combined Forces Command.

Dubbed The Korea America Friendship Night 2013 Year End Party, the gala dinner has become a friendly tradition to celebrate the holidays and usher in the coming year.

“This close and abiding partnership between our two nations which has developed over the previous 60 years is truly something to celebrate,” Basset said. “We can all take pride in how our security, economic and cultural collaboration has not only strengthened our two nations but also brought us ever closer together as friends.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the defense alliance between the U.S. and South Korea.

Basset began her diplomatic posting here one year ago almost to the day, and her first public speech was at the Korea America Friendship dinner last year.

“When we think about friendships and partnerships between our two countries, the work of the Korea America Friendship Society stands out with great distinction. Their commitment and contributions have helped to make relations between our two nations so special,” she said.

Han, Gen. Park and Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea America Friendship Society, also delivered welcoming speeches.

Founded on June 26, 1991, the Korea America Friendship Society is a civilian not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization which seeks to strengthen friendship and ties between the two countries through increased cultural exchanges and other events.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)