Made at the request of the US… Austin “The ROK-US alliance is the core axis of peace in Northeast Asia”
Defense Minister Seo-wook spoke on the phone with Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, the first head of defense in the Biden administration on the 24th, and reaffirmed the solidity of the ROK-US alliance and the close cooperation between the two defense authorities.
The Ministry of Defense explained that the call was made at the request of the US in consideration of the importance of the ROK-US alliance. The call is about one day after the approval of the Secretary of State Austin was passed on the 22nd (local time).
“The ROK-US alliance is considered the linchpin and most exemplary alliance of peace and stability in Northeast Asia,” and said, “We will work closely with us to further strengthen our alliance in the future.”
The Minister and the Secretary shared an opinion that close cooperation between the United States and Korea is more important than ever when considering the situation in the region, including the Korean Peninsula. Although it was not specified directly, it is interpreted that the North Korean nuclear issue was in mind.
In addition, we decided to work together to ensure that the ROK-US alliance continues to develop into a mutually complementary and future-oriented alliance, and communicate openly and openly on issues of mutual interest, including issues of the ROK-U.
“The two ministers decided to meet face-to-face in the near future, build friendship and trust, and have in-depth conversations on more diverse issues,” the Ministry of Defense said.
Austin, a former four-star general, was the first black defense secretary in the United States and emphasized his intention to strengthen the alliance by stating that he would settle negotiations for defense cost-sharing with South Korea, which had fallen into a stalemate at an early stage, at this confirmation hearing.
(yunhap news)
