Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

On April 27, the Ministry of Nation Defense(MND) Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (hereinafter referred to as “MAKRI”) extended a special invitation to the countries that supported us with combat troops, medical supplies, and material support during the 6·25 Korean War.

As part of MAKRI’s event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its establishment, this was attended by representatives from 11 countries including the US, Thailand, India, Mexico, and Indonesia. In addition, 3 nations including the UAE, Russia and Poland expressed their interest in the project to exhume the soldiers who died during the 6.25 Korean war.

MAKRI expressed gratitude to all the nations that sent troops, medical supplies and material support during the war, and who worked to strengthen military and diplomatic relations through their cooperation in the excavation of the dead and missing soldiers’ remains. Starting by paying their respects at the National Cemetery, the attachés watched an introduction video about the exhumation project and paid a visit to the central identification laboratory and the central inspection site-general situation room. They also watched ‘Returning home in 67 years,’ a special exhibition about the excavation of the soldiers who died in the 6·25 war at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History at Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

Colonel Lee Hak-ki of MAKRI said, “The freedom and peace we enjoy today were paid for with the blood and sweat of the army and the UN war veterans. We will never forget this, and will make every effort to excavate the remains of the dead soldiers. We are also developing our defense diplomacy, as well as improving international relations through cooperation with other nations’ forces in the exhumation process, through this invitation for the attachés in Korea.”

By Yeong-Sun, Lee <ys119@dema.mil.kr >

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