Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo delivers congratulatory address at the ROK-US alliance forum;
emphasizes mutual cooperation in all areas including the economy, as well as security
In a lecture at the event, US Forces Korea Commander Abrams stressed the need to
“conduct a wartime OPCON transition led by the Korean military”

Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo stressed the need to comprehensively develop the alliance between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States (US). Jeong made the announcement at the 6th ROK-US Alliance Forum, which was held at the Ministry of National Defense Convention on July 1, and emphasized that the alliance needs to be enhanced to adjust to the rapidly changing security situation.

“Diseases like the coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as the development of scientific technology, have a lot of influence on the security situation,” Jeong said. “Beyond national security for military and diplomatic purposes, which was the focus in the past, as two allies we need to comprehensively develop the ROK-US alliance in all areas, including the economy, living, culture, and scientific technology, which means there are so many things to do,” he stressed, adding “I hope those who are here today can play a pivotal role in developing the ROK-US alliance and making it go forever.”

Co-hosted by the ROK-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) and Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), the event was attended by Minister Jeong, US Ambassador to ROK Harry Harris, US Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Robert Abrams, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Sam-deuk, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Park Han-ki, Vice Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Choi Byeong-hyuk, Chief of the National Defense Committee Min Hong-cheol, members of the National Assembly Park Jin·Kim Byeong-joo·Jeong Gyeong-hee, President of KUSAF Jung Seung-jo, and officials from KDVA.

“Our enduring alliance, forged in the war and strengthened over decades of cooperation and commitment, remains the linchpin of our bilateral relationship,” Ambassador Harris said, stressing “I'd like to express my appreciation for your deep passion and willingness to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, and my admiration for this ironclad relationship that has spanned many generations.”

The lecture and Q-and A session led by Commander Abrams drew particular attention.
 
“Many people are interested in the condition-based wartime operational control (OPCON) transition policy,” Abrams said, stressing that “the US has a firm willingness to successfully implement the ROK-US combined forces command and combined defense posture, led by Korean military leaders.”

“The ROK’s commitment to securing and developing core military capabilities, which is part of the condition-based wartime OPCON policy, is very important in meeting the conditions completely. The real power of our military alliance is in our mutual trust and consultation,” Abrams said. “The combined resolution system built by the combined command will be maintained in the future. Our balanced decision-making progress and how the ROK-US Military Committee directives are issued will continue to be maintained as long as the combined command exists,” he also stressed, adding “We are sure that the ROK side has been substantially preparing the OPCON transition to meet the conditions, and a combined defense posture has been consolidated in that process.”

Speaking on the ROK-US combined military drills, “Unfortunately, we had to postpone our combined-post command drills this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have been able to conduct important leader development training, that in no way replicates the rigor and realism of our semi-annual theater-level training,” Abrams said, stressing “Theater-level combined-post command drills are indispensable in building a combined readiness posture.” When asked about the possibility of withdrawing the USFK, he replied: “This rumor is totally unfounded. We still have a strong willingness to carry out our duty to protect the ROK.”

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >
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