<기사제목>Foreign Affairs and Security Department Work Report: "Focus on Evaluation Capabilities for Next Year's Wartime Operational Control Transfer"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter, Lee Ji-eun Reporter] As the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) is postponed to the next government, the Ministry of National Defense has decided to focus its capabilities on the evaluation process next year.

On the 23rd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Security reported the "2022 Major Work Implementation Plan" in writing to President Moon Jae-in. At this occasion, the Ministry of National Defense presented three key tasks: ▲ Establishing an all-around defense posture and ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula ▲ Accelerating the OPCON transfer based on a solid ROK-US alliance foundation ▲ Improving the defense environment trusted by the public. Regarding the Full Operational Capability (FOC) evaluation of the future combined forces command agreed to be conducted next year for the OPCON transfer, the Ministry explained, "We will systematically prepare by operating a joint ROK-US working group for the successful FOC evaluation, including the development of verification and evaluation plans."

The Ministry of Unification stated that it will consistently strive to restore inter-Korean relations through humanitarian cooperation next year and promote the reactivation of the Korean Peninsula peace process. In particular, it noted the possibility of increased uncertainty in the situation if the deadlock continues until early next year and plans to create momentum for the prompt resumption of dialogue.

To advance denuclearization negotiations, it will support the establishment of a phased negotiation plan including denuclearization reciprocal measures, and based on coordination between South Korea and the US, review reciprocal measures at the inter-Korean level such as easing sanctions and economic cooperation following denuclearization steps. It will resume inter-Korean military talks to check the implementation of the "September 19 Military Agreement" and promote the operation of the inter-Korean military joint committee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs self-assessed that there were achievements such as COVID-19 response and creating conditions for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process, and stated it will continue diplomatic efforts for the reactivation and substantial progress of the peace process next year. It also aims to pursue a leap forward in ROK-China relations, which marks its 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while continuously developing ROK-US relations, and maintain a "two-track" approach in ROK-Japan relations by separating the resolution of historical issues from practical cooperation.

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