Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul Meets U.S. Ambassador to Discuss Wartime Operational Control and Security Issues

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul met with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel at the Defense Ministry complex in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 23rd, exchanging views on regional security conditions and key alliance issues, including the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to the South Korean military, the Defense Ministry said.

The two sides discussed major pending issues such as the OPCON transition and the Gwangju military airfield, and agreed to maintain close communication going forward to foster a future-oriented and mutually beneficial alliance.

During the meeting, Minister Kang welcomed the ambassador's visit and asked her to serve as a bridge of trust and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Steel said she would do her utmost to maintain and further strengthen the solid ROK-U.S. alliance amid an uncertain security environment.