FM Cho discusses alliance, N. Korea with new USFK commander

SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with the new top commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on Wednesday and discussed the bilateral alliance and North Korea issues, Cho's office said.

In the meeting with Gen. Xavier Brunson, Cho highlighted that the commander's role in leading the U.S. troops in Korea is important for maintaining and strengthening the alliance and the allies' combined defense posture, the foreign ministry said in a release.

Cho also asked the general to do his part to ensure the key achievements of the alliance, including extended deterrence and the trilateral cooperation with Japan, continue to be implemented and developed.

Brunson, in turn, reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to South Korea's defense and maintaining a strong combined defense posture through joint exercises, noting such efforts will ensure the stability of the region, according to the ministry.

The two sides also discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region and agreed to bolster communication to maintain a robust alliance, the ministry added.

Brunson took office as the USFK commander in December. He also serves as the commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.N. Command that oversees the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War.

elly@yna.co.kr
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