Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister meets with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

- Discussed ways to strengthen extended deterrence against North Korea and cooperation on policy

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl during his visit to Korea and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the region, as well as major outstanding issues of the alliance, on the morning of June 14 (Wednesday).

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 emphasized that 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.