1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with new Commander Vincent Brooks of US Forces Korea at the Foreign Ministry on May 18. The Commander was paying a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister to exchange greetings.

2. Minister Yun, after extending congratulations to Commander Brooks on his appointment to the post, noted with appreciation that the Republic of Korea-United States alliance has been playing the role as the linchpin of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and that the two countries are developing various approaches befitting the nature of nuclear and other threats from North Korea. He added that the two countries should reinforce their combined defense posture so that they can immediately respond to any provocations and threats from North Korea.

3. Commander Brooks affirmed the commitment to strengthen the already solid ROK-US alliance, to maintain the strong deterrence amid the grave situation on the Korean Peninsula, and to remain ready to fight in response to any situations, such as additional provocations from North Korea. He shared Minister Yun’s view on the need to brace for diverse threats from North Korea.

4. The Minister and the Commander exchanged views on the need to brace for various situations that could arise from the recent security threats from or internal developments in North Korea. They drew a common understanding that given the current, complex security situation on the Korean Peninsula, it is more important than ever for the diplomatic and military authorities to coordinate closely.


* unofficial translation