By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek met with Commander Samuel J. Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan on September 14, 2025, and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to develop the ROK-U.S. alliance.

Minister Ahn acknowledged that the Indo-Pacific Command plays a pivotal role in safeguarding not only the security of the Korean Peninsula but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region.

He emphasized that the Command's importance is particularly significant as it serves as the superior command overseeing the United States Forces Korea (USFK).

Both sides agreed that North Korea's advancement of its nuclear and missile capabilities, along with illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, pose serious challenges to peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but across the entire Indo-Pacific region. They concurred that maintaining a robust combined defense posture is crucial to deter and respond to these threats.

Minister Ahn requested the Indo-Pacific Command's support to further strengthen and enhance the operational effectiveness of extended deterrence cooperation between South Korea and the United States. Commander Paparo stated he would continue close cooperation with the South Korean side.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan in effectively deterring North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and safeguarding freedom, peace, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, both sides agreed that the recent ROK-U.S. summit meeting has strengthened the momentum for developing the ROK-U.S. alliance. To sustain this momentum, they decided to continuously expand coordination and communication between ROK and U.S. defense and military authorities.