Politics
08:01, 23-Jun-2018
US says suspending more training exercises with ROK
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The US and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have agreed to indefinitely suspend two exchange program training exercises to support diplomatic negotiations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Pentagon said Friday.
"To support implementing the outcomes of the Singapore Summit, and in coordination with our Republic of Korea ally, Secretary Mattis has indefinitely suspended select exercises," spokeswoman Dana White said.
This handout photo taken on August 31, 2017 and provided by ROK Defence Ministry in Seoul shows ROK F-15K fighter jets dropping bombs at a shooting range in Gangwon Province, east of Seoul, during a joint military drill with the US. /VCG Photo
This handout photo taken on August 31, 2017 and provided by ROK Defence Ministry in Seoul shows ROK F-15K fighter jets dropping bombs at a shooting range in Gangwon Province, east of Seoul, during a joint military drill with the US. /VCG Photo
Friday's decision followed a high-level meeting between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford, and National Security Advisor John Bolton.
In addition to suspending the Freedom Guardian exercise, which was previously announced, two Korean Marine Exchange Program training exercises scheduled to occur in the next three months have been shelved, White said, adding "additional decisions will depend upon the DPRK continuing to have productive negotiations in good faith."
The move came after last week's landmark meeting between the US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, in which Trump said Washington would halt "war game" with Seoul.
US and ROK forces have been training together for years and there are usually two sets of exercises every year, in spring and autumn.
In May, the US and the ROK have wrapped up their joint Foal Eagle and Max Thunder drills.
Source(s): AFP