Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

  During the Republic of Korea-U.S. defense ministers’ talks held in Seoul on June 3rd, Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his U.S. counterpart Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan achieved significant results by agreeing to relocate the headquarters of the combined forces command (CFC) to its Camp Humpheys base in Pyeongtaek, and to name a Korean four-star general as the future CFC commander. 

The two ministers also agreed to cooperate closely to support diplomatic efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, following the 18th Asia Security Summit (known as Shangri-La Dialogue) held in the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore from June 1st to 2nd.

At the same time, the two expressed concerns over North Korea’s launch of short-range missiles, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including sharing data on North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. As well, the two agreed to continue working to ease military tensions by faithfully implementing the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement.  

“At a more critical moment than ever, when the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance should urge the conditions for a dialogue for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the military authorities should work on strategic communication to maintain a robust combined defense posture, it is very timely that the two countries’ defense ministers can sit together for talks,” Minister Jeong said in his opening remarks, highlighting the significance of the talks. “The Korean Peninsula is now at a historical turning point, able to end an era of cold-war confrontation and conflict that had stalled for nearly 70 years and open up an era of peace, coexistence, cooperation and prosperity,” he also said. “I think this is a precious opportunity that can be attributed the strong will and determination of both President Moon and President Trump for the complete denuclearization of and permanent peace on the peninsula.”    

Minister Jeong explained that the defense ministries of Republic of Korea and the U.S. have agreed to continue to militarily back up the current diplomatic efforts to ensure this precious opportunity leads to peace and prosperity both on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and in the world. He said, "The implementation of the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement has provided the foundation to practically ease military tensions on the peninsula and build inter-Korean trust," and then emphasized, "Our ministry of defense will continue to implement the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement to further strengthen this foundation, and make every preparation so that the agenda items envisioned for this year can go smoothly."

Minister Jeong also declared that in the midst of the changing security environment, the combined defense posture will remain stronger than ever. 

 He said, "Assessing the initial operational capability (IOC) of the future Republic of Korea-U.S. combined forces command planned later this year is the first verification of the conditions required for the envisioned transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). I expect that the military authorities of the two countries will more systematically and actively push for cooperation related to the OPCON transition," and then emphasized, "The Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance will be developed into a more mature, powerful, and complementary relationship, and as the symbol of the alliance, the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea will always join the Republic of Korean forces."

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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