President Moon Meets US Indo-Pacific Commander... "Actively Cooperate on Remains Repatriation Efforts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the afternoon of the 22nd (local time), President Moon Jae-in met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander John Aquilino at Hangar 19 conference room of Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, and expressed his commitment to actively cooperate in efforts to repatriate remains.

At the meeting held prior to the Korea-U.S. mutual remains transfer ceremony, President Moon said, "I am pleased that the number of remains repatriated from the U.S. to Korea and from Korea to the U.S. through DNA identification of fallen soldiers is increasing."

He also stated, "I highly appreciate the U.S. government's efforts to locate and recover soldiers who died in various parts of the world and return them to their families," emphasizing that the Korean government is also making its best efforts in the excavation and repatriation of veterans' remains.

President Moon said, "The Korean people do not forget the noble sacrifices of the U.S. soldiers who shed their blood alongside the Korean military for freedom and peace during the Korean War," mentioning that among the remains transferred at the ceremony, two identified soldiers died in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, one of the fiercest battles of the Korean War.

He added, "The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was the fiercest battle of the Korean War, and thanks to the valuable victory there, the Hungnam evacuation operation was successful. My parents were able to come south with the help of the U.S. military at that time, and I am here today because of that," sharing a personal family anecdote.

He also mentioned strengthening combined defense capabilities. President Moon said, "Strong security must back the diplomacy and dialogue necessary for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and permanent peace, and the Indo-Pacific Command plays an important role in this," adding, "I thank Commander Aquilino and the soldiers for their hard work and hope to further enhance the combined defense capabilities of Korea and the U.S. going forward."

Commander Aquilino responded, "We will not forget the sacrifices of the soldiers and will fulfill our responsibilities until all fallen soldiers are repatriated," stating, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is ironclad, and the U.S. military will always do its best for Korea." He also said, "Thank you for taking good care of the U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea," and added, "I consider it a privilege to be stationed on the Korean Peninsula."

Meanwhile, President Moon concluded the meeting by expressing his gratitude for the assistance provided in the Korea-U.S. mutual remains transfer ceremony.