JCS chairman, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander vow close cooperation

Defense 15:38 June 10, 2021

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Won In-choul met with U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo on Thursday and agreed to work together to support efforts to realize denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the military said.

During the talks in Seoul, Won congratulated Paparo on his inauguration and exchanged views on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, according to the JCS.

"We will further develop cooperative relations with the pacific fleet to militarily support the two governments' efforts for the complete denuclearization of and establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," Won said.

Calling South Korea the "strongest ally," the admiral said their "close cooperation is critical to maintain regional peace and stability," and stressed the importance of close communication to strengthen their combined defense posture.

Paparo's Seoul visit was his first since assuming command in May.