Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Moon met with the acting U.S. Secretary of Defense

  
“I hope the alliance between our two countries can support the peace process on the Korean Peninsula” 
Moon called for close cooperation for humanitarian assistance  
Republic of Korea-U.S. Defense Minister talks produced meaningful outcomes, including the transfer of wartime OPCON and the relocation of the Combined Forces Command 

President Moon said, “The Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance is the most important thing in pursuing complete denuclearization and the establishment of a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue,” and called for “continuous support to make the peace process on the peninsula a success through a robust Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance,” stressing that eased military tensions on the peninsula and the development of inter-Korean relations are contributing to North Korea-U.S. negotiations on denuclearization.

“We have iron-clad faith in the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance, and maintaining the robust Republic of Korea-U.S. combined defense posture contributes to securing a space for diplomacy to peacefully settle the issues on the Korean Peninsula,” Shanahan replied.

The meeting was attended by Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo, National Security Advisor Chung Ui-yong, and the first deputy chief of the National Security Office Kim You-geun for Republic of Korea, while U.S, Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Robert Abrams, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs David Helvey, and Defense Secretary Advisor George Smith attended for the U.S.

Earlier in the day, acting Secretary Shanahan and Minister Jeong had Republic of Korea-U.S. bilateral defense minister talks at the ministry compound in Yongsan, Seoul. This talk between the two ministers led to significant results, in the form of an agreement 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 on supporting diplomatic efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, following the 18th Asia Security Summit (also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue) held at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore from June 1st to 2nd.

At the same time, the two ministers expressed concern over North Korea’s launch of short-range missiles and agreed to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, including sharing data on North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. Also, the two agreed to continue making efforts 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 emphasized, "The Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance will be developed into further mature, powerful, and complementary relations, and as the symbol of the alliance, the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea will always join the Republic of Korean forces."

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee <jataka@dema.mil.kr >

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

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