WASHINGTON--Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Park Han-ki during the 43rd Republic of Korea and U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM) Oct. 25 in Washington.
The Republic of Korea delegation was represented by Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Park Han-ki and Chief Director of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff J-5 Maj. Gen. Lee Jeong Woong.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Phil Davidson and Combined Forces Command commander Gen. Vincent K. Brooks joined Dunford as the U.S. delegation.
During the discussions, Gen. Dunford and Gen. Park received updates on the security of the Korean peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region and addressed measures to strengthen the alliance's defense posture and efficient transition of wartime operational control from the U.S.-led Combined Forces Command to a ROK-led Future Alliance Command.
The two leaders recognized the importance of holding the United States-Republic of Korea Military Committee Meeting during this crucial time, demonstrating the strength and credibility of the military alliance. Gen. Dunford reiterated the United States' firm and unwavering commitment to the Republic of Korea and its continued commitment to providing extended deterrence. He reaffirmed that the U.S. remains prepared to respond to any attack on the Korean Peninsula using the full range of U.S. military capabilities.
Gen. Dunford and Gen. Park committed to strengthening the alliance's military readiness by optimizing interoperability and integration between their two militaries. They additionally acknowledged the critical nature of multinational partnerships and agreed to further strengthen efforts in information sharing with each other.
The MCM is part of the U.S.-Republic of Korea bilateral consultation process which convenes annually or during times of heightened tension. The committee provides strategic directives and operational guidance to the Combined Forces Command in defense of the Republic of Korea and addresses alliance military issues. It has been hosted alternately by the ROK and the U.S. since the first meeting in 1978.
Check out photos from the Chairman of the Republic of Korea's visit.
Watch the Enhanced Honor Cordon Arrival ceremony:
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