Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho meets
with UNC Commander Paul LaCamera to discuss collaborative measures
November 20, 2023
□ Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho visited Camp Humphreys United
Nations Command (UNC) in Pyeongtaek and met with General Paul LaCamera
to discuss collaborative measures between the Unification Ministry and
the UNC.
□ During his meeting with General LaCamera, Minister Kim expressed
his appreciation for the UNC’s crucial role in safeguarding the peace
and security of the Korean Peninsula, mentioning that “the UNC,
together with the Korean Armed Forces, defended the Republic of Korea
(ROK) by repelling DPRK's invasion during the Korean War, has
successfully fulfilled its mission to implement and comply with the
Armistice Agreement for the past 70 years, and will provide support in
the event of a similar situation.”
□ Additionally,
Minister Kim expressed the ministry’s willingness to “work closely
with the UNC and its member states, not only in peacekeeping on the
Korean Peninsula, but also in the unification process as partners in cooperation.”
o The minister also suggested ways to expand mutual communication
and cooperation between the Ministry of Unification and UNC, such as
establishing a regular communications system, exchanging lectures and
visits, and resuming tours to Panmunjeom.
o Furthermore, Minister Kim shared his views on the situation on the
Korean Peninsula and spoke about the Yoon administration’s policies on
North Korea and unification, including the “Audacious Initiative.”
□ General LaCamera spoke about the UNC’s role in safeguarding peace
on the Korean Peninsula, including the implementation of the Armistice
Agreement, and echoed the minister’s view on the need to expand
cooperation between the UNC, its member states and the Unification
Ministry in the future.
o Moreover, LaCamera shared Kim’s view on the importance of South
Korea’s “Audacious Initiative” at the time of a grave security
situation where the North is advancing its nuclear and missile programs.
□ Meanwhile, following the meeting, Minister Kim, met with KATUSA
soldiers serving at Camp Humphreys and encouraged their efforts in
bridging roles on the frontline to maintain a robust combined defense readiness.
□ Following the meeting with the UNC Commander, the Ministry of
Unification will hold a policy briefing, hosted by the Unification
Minister, on November 21 for ambassadors to South Korea from UNC
member states involved in the Korean War.
o The minister’s meeting with the UNC Commander and policy briefing
for ambassadors to South Korea from UNC member states involved in the
Korean War hold significance not only for expanding cooperation
landscape into “peacekeeping,” but also “unification cooperation.”
o The Ministry of Unification will continue to strengthen
communication with the UNC and its member states to realize the vision
of “a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace,” as
reaffirmed at the August 18th Camp David Summit between the Republic
of Korea, the United States, and Japan.
