Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

Emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the ‘Washington Declaration’

Presented a letter of appreciation for his contribution to strengthening extended deterrence execution

P1 Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (left) and US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the region and major outstanding issues of the Alliance at the Defense Ministry building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the morning of June 14. Provided by the Ministry of National Defense

Minister Lee thanked Under Secretary Kahl for his substantial contribution to strengthening the execution of extended deterrence during his service by participating in the South Korea and US Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) in 2022. Lee assessed the significance of the historic Washington Declaration, and said, “The defense authorities of Korea and the United States should cooperate closely to strengthen the US commitment to execute extended deterrence. This can be achieved through various effective measures, such as conducting tabletop exercises (TTX) and increasing the deployment of US strategic assets.”

Concurring with Minister Lee’s remarks, Under Secretary Kahl stressed the efforts of the Alliance to change North Korea’s calculations, and noted the importance of coordination and communication between the allies to strengthen extended deterrence. He also highly rated the progress made in security cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan through the recent improvement in relations between Korea and Japan.

Furthermore, Minister Lee asked for Under Secretary Kahl’s continued support for the ROK-US Alliance and Korea’s defense policy even after he leaves office and returns to academia and presented a letter of appreciation. Meanwhile, Under Secretary Kahl is scheduled to attend the Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do on June 15.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

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