WASHINGTON: South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yu, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have issued a joint statement following a significant "two plus two" foreign and defense ministerial meeting. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., underscored the steadfast commitment of both nations to their combined defense posture and the Mutual Defense Treaty as foundational to their security partnership. According to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S.-ROK Alliance was reaffirmed as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides emphasized their unwavering resolve and pledged close coordination in case of provocations. The recent conclusion of the Special Measures Agreement symbolizes this shared commitment, enhancing the combined defense posture and supporting the continued presence of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula. The meeting also marked the evolution of the U.S. -ROK Alliance into a global comprehensive strategic alliance. Built on respect, trust, and shared values, both sides committed to advancing cooperation in various areas, including climate change and health security. The United States reiterated its defense commitment to the ROK, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joint readiness against regional and global threats through combined training and exercises. Deepening U.S.-ROK security cooperation was highlighted, with both nations aiming to enhance interoperability and extended deterrence through the U.S.-ROK Washington Declaration. The Secretaries and Ministers reaffirmed the response to any nuclear attack by the DPRK would be swift and decisive. The U.S. reiterated its stance against any nuclear attack by the DPRK, in line with the 2022 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review. Both countries applauded the Nuclear Consultative Group's achievements, which strengthen extended deterrence and address DPRK threats to global nonproliferation. The Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Operations represent significant progress, as endorsed by Presidents Biden and Yoon. The two sides pledged to deepen consultations, strategic planning, and enhance the visibility of U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula. The Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group was affirmed as a platform for discussing security strategy affecting the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific. The ROK expressed support for U.S. efforts to engage China and Russia on nuclear risk reduction. Both sides committed to their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Secretaries and Ministers condemned the DPRK's provocative behavior, including its ICBM test and pursuit of weapons in violation of UNSC resolutions. They committed to enhancing coordination to address UN sanctions violations by the DPRK, reaffirmed the link between DPRK's human rights violations and its unlawful weapons advancements, and expressed support for P resident Yoon's vision of a unified, peaceful Korean Peninsula. Condemnation was also directed at DPRK-Russia military cooperation, which violates UNSC resolutions and threatens stability in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe. The meeting addressed challenges posed by increased DPRK-Russia security cooperation, urging adherence to international law. Additionally, the U.S. and ROK condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine, recognizing the challenge to international order. The interconnectedness between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic was acknowledged, with discussions on implications for diplomatic and defense cooperation. Both sides opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific waters and emphasized maritime safety, security, and international law. The importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait was underscored, expressing concern over provocative actions and emphasizing the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. Both countries supported ASEAN centrality and region al efforts, reaffirmed commitment to ASEAN-led mechanisms, and highlighted cooperation on transnational challenges. Trilateral cooperation with Japan was emphasized to address DPRK threats and promote regional peace. The U.S. recognized the ROK as a Global Pivotal State, committed to addressing global challenges, and reaffirmed cooperation within the UN framework. Strategies to strengthen multilateralism and enhance the UN's effectiveness were discussed. The application of international law in cyberspace and space was confirmed, with a commitment to enhance interoperability and joint response capabilities against increasing threats. The meeting also focused on expanding cooperative measures to enhance defense industrial base compatibility and deepening defense cooperation. Both sides recognized the AUKUS partnership's contribution to Indo-Pacific stability and ongoing consultations for potential collaboration on advanced capability projects. Progress on wartime Operational Control transition was reiterated , with a commitment to a systematic and stable transition. The U.S. and ROK's shared values and purpose were reiterated, emphasizing further advancement of cooperation. The importance of the Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial as a bilateral forum was recognized, with plans to hold the meeting regularly.
South Korea and U.S. Reaffirm Strengthened Security and Strategic Alliance in 2024 Joint Ministerial Meeting.
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