Ruling Grand National Party (GNP) Chairman Ahn Sang-soo met Wednesday morning with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens to discuss bilateral issues.

Following their meeting, Stephens said that the two nations have been cooperating closely on a number of tasks, including the revival of the economy, Seoul’s hosting of the G20 summit and numerous issues related to security.

She said their stronger-than-ever alliance will take bilateral cooperation to new heights.

Ahn said that South Korea-U.S. relations have grown closer during Stephens’ watch and that her ability to speak Korean has increased positive sentiments among Koreans toward the United States.