Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back today at the Pentagon. The two leaders discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed the important role of the Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue, which will be held this week in Washington, to advance Alliance cooperation and both countries' national interests.
Secretary Hegseth underscored the importance of modernizing the Alliance while adopting a clear-eyed and pragmatic approach to deter threats and enhance the combined U.S.-ROK defense posture. Both the Secretary and the Minister agreed to remain in close contact and further cooperation in areas of mutual security interest.
Minister Ahn outlined the ROK's latest efforts to increase defense spending, secure critical national defense capabilities, and lead the defense of the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders also discussed key Alliance issues, including wartime Operational Control transition and Alliance modernization, and resolved to strengthen cooperation moving forward.
