By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with members of the US House of Representatives visiting Korea and emphasized the importance of strong congressional support for the development of the ROK-US Alliance.

On the afternoon of August 14, Minister Ahn met with Representatives Richard McCormick and Beth Van Duyne of the US House of Representatives at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to discuss ways to further develop the ROK-US Alliance and address security circumstances on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Ahn stated, “As a member of the National Defense Committee of the ROK National Assembly, I have come to deeply recognize the significance of a Congress in a democratic state. The strong support of the US Congress for the ROK-US Alliance serves as a solid foundation for the Alliance’s stable future.”

Minister Ahn expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of the US Congress in maintaining a robust combined defense posture and in executing the US commitment to extended deterrence for the Republic of Korea.

The representatives shared the understanding that the US Forces in Korea deter threats from North Korea and play a critical role in keeping peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Ahn stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation in shipbuilding and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) can serve as a core driver for reinforcing the Alliance and urged active cooperation from the US Congress.

Both sides reaffirmed that active support from the US Congress, as well as intergovernmental cooperation, is indispensable to the development of the Alliance and pledged to further strengthen it.