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2321, 2356, 2371, and 2375. They also called on North Korea to cease activities related to its nuclear
and ballistic missile programs immediately, and to abandon its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear
programs, other existing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, and ballistic missile programs
in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. Moreover, they emphasized that denuclearization and
the cessation of all provocations are the only path for the survival of the regime. The Minister and the
Secretary reaffirmed that the ROK and the United States would continue to cooperate closely in pursuit of
these goals, expressed their support for the diplomatic efforts as the most preferred path, and concurred
that such diplomatic efforts must be backed by a robust and credible combined defense posture.

4. The Minister and the Secretary reaffirmed the two nations’ mutual commitment to the fundamental mission
of the Alliance—which is to defend the ROK through a robust combined defense posture, and to enhance
the mutual security of both nations under the ROK - U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. The Minister and the
Secretary expressed their confidence in the strength of the Alliance and in the U.S. extended deterrence
commitment. They resolved to continue to strengthen the Alliance to remain postured to defend against
and respond to North Korean aggression and preserve stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
The Minister and the Secretary reaffirmed the need to continue to conduct combined exercises on the
Peninsula to strengthen Alliance readiness against North Korean nuclear and missile threats, particularly
given the security environment following North Korea’s sixth nuclear test and continuous ballistic missile
launches. The Minister and the Secretary highlighted that the ROK and the United States approved a new

framework for an Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), based on the decision
by President Trump and President Moon, and decided to hold an EDSCG meeting in the near future. The
EDSCG mechanism contributes to improving the Alliance’s deterrence posture against the DPRK through
deeper coordination on diplomatic, information, military, and economic actions. The Minister and the
Secretary expressed their determination to maintain close Alliance coordination to respond effectively to
any provocation. In addition, the Minister and the Secretary reaffirmed that any North Korean aggression
or military provocation will not be tolerated and that the ROK and the United States commit to work
together shoulder-to-shoulder to demonstrate their combined resolve to make North Korea understand
that it cannot achieve the ends it seeks through its provocative behavior. The Secretary also committed to
maintain the current level of the U.S. military personnel in the ROK and to enhance combat readiness.
5. The Secretary reiterated the longstanding U.S. policy that any attack on the United States or its allies
will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons will be met with a response that is both effective and
overwhelming. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence for the
ROK using the full range of military capabilities, including the U.S. nuclear umbrella, conventional strike,
and missile defense capabilities. The Minister and the Secretary committed to ensuring that extended

Appendix 365