		Press Release 2 -
Release Date	Available for release immediately		Distribution Date	9 MAY 2023, 15:00

※ Photo to be added

GEN Kim Seung Kyum, CJCS Hosts Office Call with GEN James C. McConville,

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

○ On Tuesday May 9th, Chairman Kim Seung Kyum hosted an office call with Army General James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, during his visit to the Republic of Korea to share their assessments of the security situation on the Korean peninsula, including DPRK's nuclear and missile threat, and discuss ways to strengthen ROK-U.S. military coordination and mutual cooperation.

○ Chairman Kim thanked General McConville for his third visit to the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff during his tenure as Army Chief of Staff, and emphasized that "maintaining a robust ROK-U.S. alliance and combined defense posture remains crucial in order to support militarily the agreed upon initiatives in the 'Washington Declaration' entailing a commitment to the enhanced extended deterrence."

○ General McConville responded, "the Republic of Korea is the U.S.'s strongest ally, and close cooperation is critical to maintain regional peace and stability.“ General McConville added that he "will endeavor to ensure that U.S. Army assets can be deployed on the peninsula in a timely manner for the defense of the Republic of Korea."

○ General Paul J. LaCamera, commander of the Combined Forces Command, who was among in attendance, remarked that he will "make every effort to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance and firmly establish the combined defense posture through close coordination between the ROK JCS and CFC / USFK."

○ Chairman Kim and General McConville agreed to "enhance the ability to execute U.S.'s extended deterrence and more, while steadfastly maintaining the ROK-U.S. alliance's readiness against enemy threats, in order to realize an 'alliance of actions'."

○ Chairman Kim regarded highly the contribution by the U.S. Army, including the Eighth Army, to the defense of the Korean peninsula, and General McConville pledged to bolster efforts by the U.S. Army to maintain the combined defense posture.

ROK JCS PAO(jcspao@korea.kr)
PAO Director	COL	Lee Sung Joon	(02-748-3060)	Officer in Charge	Lt Col(p)	Choi Hoon Il	(02-748-3063)