By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back met with US Senator Tammy Duckworth at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 18 and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and explored ways to further strengthen the ROK-US Alliance.

Minister Ahn emphasized that strong support from the US Congress is essential to the continued development of the ROK-US Alliance. He also called for sustained congressional attention to further strengthen the combined defense posture and enhance extended deterrence.

Minister Ahn expressed gratitude to US Senator Tammy Duckworth for her leadership in proposing the 2022 resolution commemorating the dedication of the Wall of Remembrance at the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed her focused attention on security issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. She reaffirmed that the US Forces Korea remains a core element in deterring North Korea’s threats and in preserving peace and stability on the peninsula, and pledged active support from the US Congress for the US Forces stationed in Korea.

Both sides assessed that the ROK-US Alliance has significantly expanded in both scale and effectiveness, and shared an understanding of the need to deepen cooperation in shipbuilding, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and the defense industry to further strengthen the partnership.

The two officials concurred that strengthening the Alliance requires critical roles from both the legislatures and governments of the Republic of Korea and the United States, and pledged to cooperate closely to ensure continued progress of the Alliance.