Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se holds talks with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Feb. 7 to discuss strengthening the Korea-U.S. relationship in the face of North Korean nuclear weapon threats.
“The Korea-U.S. alliance is key to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” said newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, underscoring the importance of strengthening Korea-U.S. relations.
The secretary of state spoke with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se over the phone on Feb. 7 and said that the U.S. will remain steadfast in its commitment to carrying out defense strategies with Korea, including the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) that was launched last year.
Tillerson stated that under the new administration, the U.S. will continue to strengthen various cooperative mechanisms between Korea and the U.S.
The two head diplomats shared the opinion that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is but a protective measure against North Korean nuclear threats. With the understanding that it doesn’t encroach on the gains of neighboring countries, the two reaffirmed the decision to continue with the deployment of the THAAD system in Korea.
“Despite countless efforts made by Korea and the U.S. over the past 20 years, North Korea has nonetheless approached the final step in developing its nuclear weapons,” said Minister Yun. “In light of the preemptive nuclear attacks aimed at Korea and the U.S., the idea of ‘peace through strength’ pursued by the Trump administration rings true in current times. Our two countries should, under the principle that North Korea doesn’t use its nuclear weapons, implement all possible sanctions against the Northern regime,” he said.
Secretary of State Tillerson confirmed the need for a close alliance between the U.S. and Korea given the serious threats and provocations from North Korea. “The immediate threat posed by the North Korean nuclear weapons problem is one that the U.S. and Korea need to continue to address together. This will be our main focus at the next talks between the Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
hlee10@korea.kr
