US State Department "Pleased with Defense Cost-Sharing Agreement... Meaningful Increase in Korea's Contribution"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Department of State expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached in the negotiations on the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) for the defense cost-sharing of U.S. Forces Korea between South Korea and the United States, emphasizing the significance of the meaningful increase in South Korea's burden.

Jeong Eun-bo, the Special Representative for the Korea-US Defense Cost-Sharing Negotiations, is departing through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 4th to attend the 9th meeting for the conclusion of the 11th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between Korea and the US, held in Washington, USA. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

On the 7th (local time), a State Department spokesperson responded to Asia Economy's inquiry about the conclusion of the SMA negotiations by stating, "The agreement is in its final stages. We are pleased that the U.S.-Korea negotiating teams have agreed on an SMA that strengthens the U.S.-Korea alliance and joint defense."

The spokesperson added, "Alliances are a source of American strength. This progress reflects the U.S. government's commitment to revitalizing and modernizing democratic alliances to advance security and prosperity."

The State Department also stated, "This agreement includes a meaningful increase in South Korea's contribution and reaffirms that the U.S.-Korea alliance is a cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the freely open Indo-Pacific region."