Ruling Party Urges "Swift Advancement of Legislative Process for Korea-US Defense Cost-Sharing Agreement"

"Promptly Conclude Negotiations Between South Korea and the U.S."

The People Power Party stated that the National Assembly should promptly proceed with the ratification process for the early conclusion of the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the United States to implement the agreement.

Kim Hye-ran, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a commentary on the 5th, "The two countries quickly reached an agreement after only five months of negotiations, starting early, and as a result, the negotiations were concluded within the validity period of the current 11th agreement." She added, "Above all, with the U.S. presidential election approaching, the two countries swiftly wrapped up the defense cost-sharing negotiations, reducing uncertainty."

She also said, "This agreement is expected to be an important opportunity to further strengthen the combined defense posture of South Korea and the U.S., and to solidify mutual trust and cooperation in the Korea-U.S. alliance."

The chief representatives of South Korea and the United States in the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations on defense cost-sharing, Lee Tae-woo, South Korea's defense cost-sharing negotiation representative (right), and Linda Speck, Senior Advisor for Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
[Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Spokesperson Kim continued, "The defense cost-sharing negotiations are an important agreement for the security cooperation and continuous strengthening of the alliance between the two countries," emphasizing, "After this agreement is concluded, it is important to consistently adhere to its contents regardless of political circumstances."

Kim stated, "The National Assembly should swiftly proceed with all diplomatic and legislative processes to ensure smooth implementation through the ratification procedure," and added, "The People Power Party will focus its capabilities together with the government to further strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and to ensure that cooperation for peace and security continues."