SEOUL – U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Commander Gen. Samuel J. Paparo reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance during a visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) May 29-30, 2024. The visit marks Gen. Paparo’s first visit to South Korea as USINDOPACOM commander.
In Seoul, General Paparo met with senior South Korean officials, including President Yoon Seok-yeol, Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myung-soo, to discuss the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and emphasize U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's unwavering commitment to the defense and security of the Republic of Korea.
Paparo reiterated the U.S. commitment to the strong defense relationship with the ROK military, extended deterrence, and trilateral cooperation among the ROK, Japan and the U.S. to enhance interoperability between their respective militaries, including defending against illicit missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He commended South Korea's humanitarian assistance, including its recent assistance to Kenya, noting that such efforts demonstrate South Korea's determination to be a pivotal global nation in accordance with its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command remains ready and positioned to defend the ROK against any threat or adversary with a broad range of capabilities, including conventional, nuclear, and missile defense. The use of these capabilities is defensive in nature and intended to maintain alliance readiness.
Paparo emphasized that the U.S.-ROK alliance is the linchpin of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, and highlighted U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's efforts to advance U.S.-ROK relations through cooperation, regional security efforts, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Paparo was accompanied during his visit by Joy Sakurai, Chargé d'Affaires for U.S. Forces Korea, United Nations Command and Combined Forces Commander, and Gen. Paul LaCamera, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, United Nations Command and Combined Forces Commander, who oversees U.S. and ROK military-to-military relations.
