청, NSC Standing Committee Meeting Held... "Consulting with the US for Smooth Return of US Military Bases"

Review of the Progress on the Return of USFK Bases

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House announced on the afternoon of the 2nd that it held a Standing Committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss issues such as the return of U.S. military bases.

The meeting today was chaired by Yoo Young-min, Chief of Staff to the President, in place of Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, who is currently visiting China for talks with Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs. Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae attended to discuss the agenda for promoting the return of U.S. military bases in South Korea this year.

The participants first reviewed the progress of the U.S. military base return efforts this year and agreed to closely coordinate with the U.S. side to ensure the smooth return of U.S. military bases, including part of the Yongsan base. They also agreed to continue sustained efforts at the diplomatic and security levels to quickly overcome the spread of COVID-19, including the influx of the new Omicron variant.

Meanwhile, the participants evaluated the achievements of this year’s excavation projects for remains at Hwaseolmari and Baengmagoji and decided to continue the excavation projects within the Demilitarized Zone next year. They also agreed to prepare for the resumption of the joint inter-Korean excavation projects under the September 19 military agreement.

Furthermore, they agreed to closely monitor relevant developments and continue taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of Korean nationals and companies staying in major overseas risk areas.