S. Korea Pres vows to boost readiness with US against N. Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk yeol vowed to bolster South Korea's combined defense readiness with the US to deter North Korea's growing threats, Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday. Yoon made the remark during his meeting in Hawaii with Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of Indo-Pacific Command, and Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and other US military leaders. "North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile capabilities and continued provocations are threatening security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. A steadfast combined defense readiness is more critical than ever," Yoon said, emphasizing the command's role in regional security. Yoon underscored the importance of cooperation among allies and partners to address the growing security threats posed by North Korea after its signing of a mutual defense treaty with Russia last month. "Strong power and solidarity among countries that share values are essential to protecting our liberal democracy and economic prosperity from these re ckless forces," Yoon said. The US military's largest combatant command oversees US Forces Korea, which maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korea. It marks the first such visit to the command by a South Korean president in 29 years and the first since it was renamed to the Indo-Pacific Command in 2018. Currently, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a US-led joint maritime exercise, is underway around the Hawaiian Islands. The drills, involving South Korea and 28 other countries, began June 26 and will continue until August 29. Source: Kuwait News Agency