Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Lee meets with the US CSGK delegation;

Lee and the CSGK delegation exchange opinions on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region

On July 8, Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop conveyed the ROK government’s will to focus on strengthening the ROK-US alliance as the key to foreign and security polices to the United States (US) Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK).

“On Friday, Minister Lee met with the CSGK delegation, including Ami Bera and Young Kim, and exchanged opinions on the development direction for the ROK-US alliance and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region,” the ministry said in a statement.

At the meeting, Lee explained that “the ROK government is striving to further firm up the ROK-US alliance in the area of defense.” Significantly, Lee stressed that “the two countries are strengthening the combined defense posture on the basis of the ROK-US summit held in May in order to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, and the ROK will play a constructive role in building peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as a pivotal state.”

Lee also stressed the importance of the unwavering support of the US Congress for a strengthened ROK-US alliance. “I hope the CSGK can serve as a bridge to enhance our bilateral relations to ensure the development of the ROK-US alliance into a ‘global comprehensive strategic alliance,’” Lee added.

In response, the CSGK said that the US Congress is providing all-party support for the ROK-US alliance, stressing that “during this visit, we found that the ROK-US alliance has become firmer since the launch of Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.” The CSGK delegation also said they are certain that the ROK-US alliance will be further strengthened in that process, expressing their hope for the ROK’s efforts to expand its role in the Indo-Pacific region and in the international community.

The CSGK is a US congressional all-party study group on Korea, which was officially launched in 2018. It currently consists of fifty US senators and congressmen. This is the CSGK delegation’s fourth visit to the ROK, and the CSGK delegation visited the ministry to broaden its understanding on the development direction for the ROK-US alliance.

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

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