1. On August 22, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with Commander Harris of the US Pacific Command, who was on a visit to the Republic of Korea to observe the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian (UFG) exercise. In the meeting, the top diplomat extended appreciation to the US Pacific Command for its contribution to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and exchanged views with its Commander on ways to strengthen the ROK-US alliance.

2. Commander Harris, reaffirming the firm US commitment to the defense of the ROK, stated that diplomacy is the most important driving force for resolving the North Korean nuclear and missile issues and that the purpose of military measures is to help diplomacy bear fruit. Minister Kang shared the Commander’s view, saying that diplomacy and national defense should be pursued together.

3. In addition, Minister Kang brought attention to the need for an early, condition-based transfer of wartime operational control and for a revision of the missile guidelines in a bid to develop the ROK-US alliance and beef up deterrence against North Korea, adding that the full range of diplomatic assistance will be rendered to that end. Commander Harris responded by expressing understanding and support.

4. Minister Kang and Commander Harris, recognizing the growing importance of close coordination between the foreign and defense ministries of their two countries, agreed to put into gear various channels to seek ways to step up bilateral collaboration.


* unofficial translation