Second Round of Talks for Three Days Starting the 21st, Next in the US
US "Productive Discussions... Expecting Next Talks to Resume Soon"
The United States announced that it had "productive discussions" regarding the second round of defense cost-sharing talks with South Korea.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Korea on the 24th, the U.S. delegation for the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between Korea and the U.S. stated in a press release, "The U.S. and South Korean delegations had productive and substantive discussions, and we continue to move forward toward our shared goal of a mutually acceptable agreement that supports our joint security." South Korea and the U.S. held the second meeting for concluding the SMA in Seoul from the 21st to the 23rd. It was reported that they exchanged views on key issues such as the scale of the contribution and the criteria for calculation regarding South Korea's share of the costs for the U.S. military presence in Korea after 2026.
The U.S. delegation added, "These discussions are part of a strong combined defense posture that protects the peace and prosperity of the Korean and American people, reflecting our commitment to and the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance," and "We look forward to resuming consultations soon."
The SMA is an agreement that defines the amount South Korea will bear for the costs of the U.S. military stationed in Korea. The 11th SMA, concluded by the U.S. and South Korea in 2021, is valid until the end of 2025. According to the 11th SMA, the defense cost-sharing amount set for 2021 was 1.1833 trillion won, which was a 13.9% increase from the previous year, and it was agreed to increase this amount annually over the next four years reflecting the defense budget growth rate.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "In this consultation, we exchanged mutual review opinions on the major positions and concerns regarding defense cost-sharing that both sides raised during the first round of talks held in Honolulu in April," adding, "We enhanced our understanding of each other's positions." The official also said, "Going forward, the U.S. and South Korea will continue to hold consultations frequently regarding the 12th SMA."
The meeting was attended by South Korea’s defense cost-sharing negotiation representative Lee Tae-woo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with officials from the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration. On the U.S. side, Senior Advisor Linda Speck from the State Department, as well as officials from the State Department, Department of Defense, and U.S. Forces Korea participated.
Defense cost-sharing negotiations are usually conducted by traveling between the two countries. The next, third round of talks is expected to be held in the United States.
Below is the statement from the U.S. delegation on the conclusion of the second round of the 12th U.S.-ROK Special Measures Agreement (SMA) consultations
Statement on the Conclusion of Round Two Consultations for the 12th U.S.-ROK Special Measures Agreement (SMA)
The second round of consultations for the 12th ROK-U.S. Special Measures Agreement (SMA) was held in Seoul from Tuesday, May 21 to Thursday, May 23, 2024. The delegations from the United States and the Republic of Korea continued productive and substantive discussions, as we continue to work toward our common objective of a mutually acceptable agreement that supports our shared security.
These conversations reflect the enduring strength of, and our commitment to, the U.S.-ROK Alliance, as part of a robust combined defense posture that safeguards peace and prosperity for the Korean and American people. We look forward to continuing our consultations soon.
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