Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun had the first telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin Ⅲ since his inauguration on the morning of September 13, 2024, and both officials reviewed the security situation in the region and reaffirmed the robust ROK-U.S. Alliance.

The two officials highly appreciated the results Korea and the United States have achieved in strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance and agreed that the level and scope of the alliance is deepening and expanding as a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Minister Kim shared his assessment of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, such as North Korea’s advanced nuclear and missile capabilities and illegal military exchanges between Russia and North Korea and emphasized maintaining a robust combined defense posture to deter and respond to the North’s threats.

Additionally, he reaffirmed that ROK/U.S. combined exercise must be continuously strengthened and the overwhelming capabilities and posture of the alliance must be cultivated so that the North does not dare to make provocations.

He also noted that with the Washington Declaration, the ROK-U.S. Alliance has evolved from a conventional warfare-based alliance to a nuclear-based alliance, and the effectiveness and guarantee of extended deterrence have been enhanced, and both officials pledged to closely cooperate through the NCG to further develop the alliance.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and pledged to work closely to strengthen deterrence against the North.

Both officials highly appreciated the unprecedented development of trilateral security cooperation among Korea, the United States and Japan since the Camp David Summit and pledged to further strengthen the partnership to deter the North’s advanced nuclear and missile capabilities.

In addition, the two officials reaffirmed that the ROK-U.S. Alliance is a linchpin for regional peace and prosperity and pledged to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with like-minded countries on the basis of the alliance.

The two officials agreed that close cooperation at the ministerial level is essential for a robust ROK-U.S. Alliance and agreed to continue to meet and communicate as needed.