The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on May 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Mr. John Noh, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense (PTDO ASD) for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Mr. Andrew Winternitz, PTDO Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for East Asia, led the U.S. delegation. Deputy Minister (DEPMIN) for National Defense Policy, Mr. Cho Chang-rae, led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated in the dialogue.
During the meeting, both sides assessed the overall defense cooperation of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, and had in-depth discussions on policy directions that can advance our common interests.
Following the KIDD, DEPMIN Cho met with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. Elbridge Colby, to discuss the results of the KIDD and to exchange views on strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance to ensure U.S. and ROK national interests. They assessed that the KIDD laid a foundation for practical cooperation to further solidify the Alliance and looked forward to deepening cooperation to achieve shared security goals on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders recognized the ROK and U.S. military and civilian personnel that continuously work to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance and expressed sincere appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice.
