Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Shin Won Sik held a meeting with Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

He expressed gratitude for Admiral Aquilino's efforts in enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. extended deterrence.

Admiral Aquilino committed to ongoing security cooperation in the region.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik met with Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik met with departing Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, on April 11. During the meeting, Minister Shin expressed his appreciation for Admiral Aquilino’s dedication to strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance and promoting regional peace and stability.

Minister Shin expressed gratitude to Admiral Aquilino for his significant role in countering North Korea’s threats and provocations. He praised the admiral for enhancing the execution of U.S. extended deterrence, particularly amidst North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats. Minister Shin highlighted Admiral Aquilino’s crucial role in increasing the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, notably citing the USS Kentucky, a nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which visited a Busan operation base last year.

Admiral Aquilino responded by stating that the deployment of U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula demonstrates the United States' unwavering commitment to extended deterrence, both to South Korea and the international community.

Additionally, the two officials discussed trilateral security cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

Minister Shin expressed his gratitude to Admiral Aquilino for his role in advancing trilateral security cooperation, which includes establishing a real-time missile warning information sharing system, formulating trilateral exercise plans for several years ahead, and ensuring regular execution of these exercises. He also commended the admiral for promoting solidarity and cooperation among like-minded nations through his leadership in multilateral exercises involving allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Aquilino emphasized the significant impact of Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation on Indo-Pacific security and noted the steady progress of trilateral cooperation since the Camp David Declaration.

Both parties agreed that the ROK-U.S. Alliance is crucial for regional security in the Indo-Pacific and committed to further strengthening their security cooperation to address the increasingly complex regional security challenges.

Additionally, Minister Shin requested Admiral Aquilino's continued support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance after his retirement. The admiral assured that he would remain a steadfast supporter of a strong ROK-U.S. Alliance and peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the broader region.

Admiral Aquilino is set to depart on May 3, with Admiral Samuel Paparo succeeding him.

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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