South Korea's Interim Defence Chief and US Indo-Pacific Commander Highlight Trilateral Security Partnership with Japan
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Seoul, Dec 20 (NationPress) Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo agreed on Friday regarding the critical role of trilateral security cooperation with Japan in deterring threats from North Korea. They expressed their commitment to further strengthening this partnership, as reported by the South Korean defence ministry.
The discussion occurred at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, located 70 kilometers south of Seoul, during a change-of-command ceremony that marked the inauguration of General Xavier Brunson as the new US Forces Korea Commander.
In their meeting, the officials reaffirmed that the South Korea-US alliance is "ironclad" and pledged to enhance cooperation and communication to maintain an overwhelming combined defense posture, according to the ministry's statement.
To achieve these objectives, both parties agreed on the necessity of effectively conducting pre-planned combined drills, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Kim stated that South Korea's foreign policy remains consistent, emphasizing the military's dedication to upholding a robust combined defense stance under the acting president.
The meeting was also attended by Brunson, US Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg, and General Kang Shin-chul, the Deputy Commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command.
Earlier that day, General Brunson officially took office as the new commander of US Forces Korea (USFK), reiterating the commitment to sustaining the South Korea-US alliance in light of ongoing threats from North Korea.
He succeeded General Paul LaCamera to oversee the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea during a ceremony at Camp Humphreys, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho and US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo.
As the USFK commander, Brunson also holds the positions of Commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command (CFC) and the UN Command.
Brunson underscored the alliance's importance and the need for collaboration with the broader international community to ensure "collective security" and maintain a "rules-based international order" in addressing potential threats.
In his address, the new commander referenced a biblical verse: "One may be overpowered. Two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
"This reflects the strength of our alliance, the unity of our trilateral partnerships, and the resilience of our multinational coalition. Together, we are more robust and better equipped to face any challenge," he stated, according to Yonhap news agency.
LaCamera, who is retiring after nearly 44 years of service, expressed that South Korea, a nation regarded as a "beacon of freedom and prosperity," holds a "special place" in his heart.
