Nov. 14, 2019
SEOUL--Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Hanki Park during the 44th Republic of Korea and U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM) today in Seoul.
The Republic of Korea delegation was represented by Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Hanki Park and Chief Director of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Directorate for Strategic Planning Lt. Gen. Seong Yong Lee.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Phil Davidson joined Milley as the U.S. delegation and Gen. Robert B. Abrams represented the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command as the bilateral commander.
During the discussions, Gen. Milley and Gen. Park received updates on the security of the Korean peninsula and the region and addressed measures to strengthen the Alliance's defense posture and efficient transition of wartime operational control from a U.S.-commanded to a ROK-commanded Combined Forces 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. Milley reiterated the United States' firm and unwavering commitments 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. Milley and Gen. Park acknowledged the critical nature of multinational partnerships and agreed to further strengthen efforts for regional peace and security.
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.
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