Korea-US Defense Ministers Meeting, Expansion of Defense Exchange and Cooperation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] On the 21st, Seo Wook, Minister of National Defense, met with Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence, and agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in the defense sector. Secretary Wallace reaffirmed his support for the South Korean government's efforts toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Minister Seo held talks with Secretary Wallace at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, in the morning, exchanging views on defense exchange and cooperation measures between the two countries.

Secretary Wallace emphasized that the UK has been placing greater importance on the Indo-Pacific region after Brexit, and that South Korea is a key partner for the UK in this region. He expressed hope to expand exchanges and cooperation in the defense sector.

In response, Minister Seo welcomed the UK's Asia-focused policy as a traditional ally and a participant in the Korean War, and agreed to promptly promote the operation of regular consultative bodies such as army, navy, and air force meetings and high-level exchanges between the two countries as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes.

Minister Seo requested support for South Korea's efforts toward denuclearization and peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula, and Secretary Wallace promised support along with his position of backing, the Ministry of National Defense reported.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Wallace also mentioned, “The South Korean and UK navies are closely cooperating to share experience in aircraft carrier operations,” referring to the expected early September visit of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier strike group to Busan.

He added, “This is the largest maritime and air force deployment from the UK mainland in 30 years,” and “After the port call, two warships will be permanently stationed in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Some military circles anticipate that this aircraft carrier visit will mark the beginning of full-scale cooperation between the two countries regarding South Korea’s plan to build a 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier.

Meanwhile, Secretary Wallace visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the afternoon.

The British Embassy in South Korea stated on its official Twitter account, “The UK and South Korea have stood together for over 70 years for peace on the Korean Peninsula,” and “The UK Secretary of State for Defence visited the DMZ to reaffirm the UK’s support for South Korea’s efforts to improve relations with North Korea and achieve denuclearization.”

Before the talks with Minister Seo, Secretary Wallace also laid a wreath at the South Korea-UK electronic memorial monument at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.