President Lee: "Early Transfer of Wartime Operational Control Will Deepen the Korea-U.S. Alliance and Reduce Defense Burden"
Hegseth: "South Korea Is the Most Exemplary Ally... Looking Forward to Strengthened Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation"
On November 4, President Lee Jaemyung received a courtesy visit at the presidential office from Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of War, who was in Korea to attend the Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM). President Lee emphasized the important role Secretary Hegseth plays in deepening and developing the Korea-U.S. alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic partnership. President Lee expressed his gratitude for the decision to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, to which Secretary Hegseth responded by pledging active support for South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
According to Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, President Lee warmly welcomed Secretary Hegseth’s first visit to Korea since taking office, and commended Secretary Hegseth, Chairman Daniel Kane of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other U.S. defense and military leaders for their dedication to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also around the world.
President Lee stated, “The early transfer of wartime operational control during my term will serve as an important opportunity for the Korea-U.S. alliance to deepen and advance further,” adding, “As our military’s capabilities are significantly strengthened and South Korea takes the lead in defending the Korean Peninsula, the United States’ defense burden in the Indo-Pacific region will also be reduced.”
In particular, President Lee expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s decision to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, stating, “Securing nuclear-powered submarines will greatly enhance our military’s capabilities to take the lead in defending the Korean Peninsula and will make a significant contribution to the development of the Korea-U.S. alliance.”
In response, Secretary Hegseth said, “We are proud of South Korea’s efforts to increase its defense budget and strengthen its defense capabilities through the acquisition of advanced conventional forces and nuclear-powered submarines, and we will actively support these efforts.” He added, “In this regard, South Korea is the most exemplary ally.”
Secretary Hegseth also expressed his expectations for joint shipbuilding initiatives through enhanced shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea, which possesses world-class shipbuilding capabilities, noting that such cooperation would greatly contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
The meeting was attended by Kevin Kim, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Korea; Daniel Kane, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Xavier Brunson, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea; as well as Ahn Kyubaek, Minister of National Defense; Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office; Jin Youngseung, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Kim Hyunjong, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office.
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