Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

the Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beomchul met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks 15th Sept. at the Pentagon.

DoD Leaders Meet With Republic of Korea Leaders at the Pentagon

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beomchul today at the Pentagon.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance and the mutual commitment to maintaining a strong combined defense posture.  They also discussed the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and committed to continuing regional cooperation that upholds a free and open Indo-Pacific.

On September 14, Vice Minister Shin met with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, to discuss the critical importance of science and technology (S&T) cooperation to the alliance.  Both sides agreed that deep S&T cooperation is essential to integrated deterrence and a robust defense posture on the Korean Peninsula.

Also on September 14, Vice Minister Shin met with Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment, William LaPlante, to discuss the ROK’s interest in pursuing a Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement between the U.S. and South Korea.  Both parties also reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral cooperation between our two countries.