Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

On January 5, the Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) announced that CFC and Republic of Korea's Defense Ministry agreed to hold the annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics ends.

Pentagon spokesperson Robert Manning (colonel) said, "Republic of Korea and U.S. agreed to delay their annual joint drills until after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to follow the Olympic spirit, and the exercises and the games will not be overlapped," and said, "The postponement is to focus on ensuring the security for successful hosting of the Olympics." He added, "KR/FE exercises are routine exercises required to maintain military readiness between two allies and to protect Republic of Korea.”

The dates of the exercises are under discussion and are to be announced later when determined.

Meanwhile, Republic of Korea's President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone call at night on January 4 and agreed to suspend any joint military drills between Republic of Korea and U.S. during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Moon said that the PyeongChang "Peaceful Olympics" would help create an atmosphere for dialogue between U.S. and North Korea. Trump promised to help whenever U.S.'s help is needed in dialogue between Republic of Korea and North Korea, saying of his full support for Moon.

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

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