Chairman Kim Myungsoo Holds First Cooperative Call with New U.S. Chairman Cane, Emphasizes Readiness Against North Korea's Threats

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myungsoo held his first cooperative phone call with the new U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasizing the establishment of capabilities and readiness to respond to North Korea's threats.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on May 21, Chairman Kim congratulated General John Daniel Cane, the new U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Air Force General), on his appointment during their first cooperative phone call the previous evening. They discussed the recent security situation and alliance issues.

The chairmen of both South Korea and the United States assessed that the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is being stably managed based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and that the combined defense posture is being maintained without any issues.

In addition, they agreed on the importance of establishing both "capabilities" and "readiness" to effectively respond to North Korea's increasingly sophisticated threats in all domains?including nuclear, missile, and cyber?amid the expansion of Russia-North Korea cooperation.

Chairman Kim stated, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is the most exemplary and powerful alliance in the world, and serves as a key pillar for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region." He added that he would continue to work closely with Chairman Cane for the evolutionary development of the alliance.

Meanwhile, during this call, both countries agreed on the importance of cooperation and joint response among like-minded allies who share values, for the peace and stability of the international community. They also decided to further strengthen the momentum of trilateral security cooperation through the South Korea-U.S.-Japan Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting (Tri-CHOD) to be held in Korea in July.