South Korea's Acting Defence Minister Engages with US Ambassador to Strengthen Alliance
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Seoul, January 2 (NationPress) - The acting Defence Minister of South Korea, Kim Seon-ho, engaged in discussions with the US Ambassador to South Korea, Philip Goldberg, on Thursday, reaffirming their enduring bilateral alliance, as stated by Seoul's defence ministry.
During the meeting, which took place at the defence ministry in Seoul, both parties acknowledged the resilience of the South Korea-US alliance, despite evolving security and political circumstances, according to a ministry release.
Minister Kim expressed gratitude to the outgoing ambassador for his contributions to significantly advancing the alliance since his appointment in July 2022, and sought continued support for enhancing the bilateral relationship, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Ambassador Goldberg, in response, reiterated his country's unwavering commitment to the ironclad alliance, as per the ministry's statements.
In the previous month, Kim Seon-ho and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo had a discussion underscoring the importance of trilateral security collaboration with Japan to counter North Korean threats, while pledging efforts to further strengthen such cooperation.
Kim and Admiral Paparo addressed the matter during their meeting at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, located 70 kilometers south of Seoul, while attending a change-of-command ceremony for the new US Forces Korea Commander, General Xavier Brunson, on December 20.
Both sides concluded that the South Korea-US alliance remains ironclad and committed to enhancing cooperation and communication to maintain a robust combined defence posture, as reported by the ministry.
To achieve this objective, they agreed on the necessity of proceeding with pre-scheduled combined drills smoothly, according to Yonhap news agency.
Minister Kim emphasized that South Korea's external policy remains consistent and reiterated the military's dedication to upholding a strong combined defence posture under the acting president.
The meeting included participation from General Brunson, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, and General Kang Shin-chul, Deputy Commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command.
General Brunson assumed his role as the new commander of US Forces Korea (USFK) on the same day, pledging to continue supporting the South Korea-US alliance in light of ongoing threats from North Korea.
He succeeded General Paul LaCamera to lead the 28,500-strong American forces in South Korea during a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Humphreys, attended by senior officials from both nations, including acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho and Admiral Samuel Paparo.
As the USFK commander, Brunson also holds the position of Commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command (CFC) and the UN Command.
He highlighted the significance of the alliance and collaboration with the broader international community in ensuring collective security and a rules-based international order in addressing potential threats.
In his remarks, the new commander referenced a Bible verse stating: "One may be overpowered. Two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
