Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop: "Serious Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula... Strengthening Alliances"

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 23 Jun.2022 08:56(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop stated, "The security situation on the Korean Peninsula is extremely serious due to North Korea's advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities and preparations for the 7th nuclear test," adding, "Our military will always further develop the ROK-US alliance and firmly protect the Republic of Korea."

Minister Lee made these remarks on the 23rd at the Grand Hyatt Seoul during the '1st National Breakfast Prayer Meeting for National Security and Strengthening the ROK-US Alliance' hosted by the ROK-US Alliance Foundation and the Korean Veterans Association of the United States Forces Korea, delivering a congratulatory speech.

Foreign Minister Park Jin also emphasized, "North Korea's nuclear and missile threats endanger not only the Korean Peninsula but also peace in Northeast Asia and the world," and stated, "South Korea and the United States are moving forward together toward the shared goal of North Korea's complete denuclearization for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Kim Jin-pyo, a candidate for Speaker of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea, stressed, "The Biden administration regards the United States' alliances and friendly countries as its greatest strategic assets and is expanding the scope of alliance cooperation," adding, "The importance of the ROK-US alliance is greater than ever."

Christopher Del Corso, Charg? d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea, said, "The leaders of both the Republic of Korea and the United States share a commitment to defending democracy and a rules-based international order, combating corruption, and respecting human rights," and added, "During President Joe Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders reaffirmed their complete agreement on shared values."

The ROK-US Alliance Foundation stated that the prayer meeting was organized to commemorate the Month of Patriots and Veterans, to pray for the permanent development of the ROK-US alliance and the solid security of the Republic of Korea, and to express gratitude for the dedication of the combined ROK-US forces.