An Kyu-baek Meets U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Colby... Discusses Wartime Operational Control and Nuclear Submarine Construction

Minister An Outlines North Korea Policy
"Maintaining a Robust Combined Defense Posture Is Most Important"

On the morning of January 26, Defense Minister An Kyu-baek met with Elbridge Colby, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy, at the Ministry of National Defense. They held in-depth discussions on key issues in the Korea-U.S. alliance, including the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, nuclear-powered submarines, the transfer of wartime operational control, and strengthening defense capabilities.

Defense Minister An Kyu-baek met with Elbridge Colby, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy, who visited the Ministry of National Defense on the morning of the 26th, to discuss current issues in the Korea-U.S. alliance, including security situation on the Korean Peninsula, nuclear-powered submarines, and wartime operational control transfer. (Photo by Ministry of National Defense)

Minister An assessed that last year's agreement on the Joint Fact Sheet between the leaders of South Korea and the United States, as well as the convening of the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), marked a historic turning point in the development of the alliance.

He also urged that this year should be a time to achieve tangible outcomes in bilateral defense cooperation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Colby emphasized that Korea was his first overseas destination since taking office. He further stated that he would continue to make efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea, a model ally.

Both sides agreed that cooperation on the construction of nuclear-powered submarines would not only enhance Korea’s defense capabilities led by its own military for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, but also serve as a significant milestone in elevating the Korea-U.S. military alliance. To this end, they agreed to work closely together.

Minister An stressed that the transfer of wartime operational control is essential to realizing a Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula. He also called for strengthened communication and cooperation for the transfer of operational control, including the development of a roadmap to accelerate the fulfillment of the necessary conditions.

Finally, Minister An stated that maintaining a robust combined defense posture is of the utmost importance for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He also explained the South Korean government’s policy direction toward North Korea, aimed at peaceful coexistence on the peninsula, based on this combined defense posture.