Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop Requests USFK Commander to Support the ROK-US Alliance

Minister Lee: "Relocation of Command to Pyeongtaek Establishes Foundation for Strengthening ROK-US Alliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] Three former commanders of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) gathered in one place. Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop urged Curtis Scaparrotti, the 23rd commander, Vincent Brooks, the 24th commander, and Robert Abrams, the 25th commander, to "act as supporters of the ROK-US alliance."

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 26th, during a luncheon with Jeong Seung-jo, chairman of the ROK-US Alliance Foundation, and Im Ho-young, vice chairman, Minister Lee emphasized, "The current nuclear and missile threats from North Korea are more serious than ever, and close cooperation to enhance the United States' extended deterrence capability is urgently needed."

He also evaluated that the recent relocation of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command to Pyeongtaek has laid the foundation for strengthening the future ROK-US alliance and combined defense posture.

The former commanders recalled that during their tenure, the ROK and the US were united in response to North Korean provocations, and they agreed that close cooperation between the two countries is more important than ever during such times, the Ministry of National Defense reported.

The commanders also responded that the relocation of the Combined Forces Command to Pyeongtaek will be remembered as a model case of USFK base relocation and a successful policy example symbolizing a mutually beneficial ROK-US alliance. They added that the ROK-US alliance is developing beyond the Korean Peninsula into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance," and emphasized their commitment to widely promoting the value of the ROK-US alliance within the United States.