Korea and the U.S. issue joint statement on the 29th Integrated Defense Dialogue

The U.S. Department of War and the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense held the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue in Busan from September 16 to 18, 2026.

Mr. George LeMeur, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for East Asia, led the U.S. delegation, and Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Dr. Kim Hong-Cheol led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated.

The two sides reviewed progress on implementing follow-up measures for defense cooperation outlined in the Joint Fact Sheet between the U.S. and ROK Presidents and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique last year.

They evaluated efforts to modernize the Alliance in the face of an evolving security environment, assessed progress on the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control Transition Plan, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime operational control.

Participants visited major defense industry sites to bolster cooperation in shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, aiming to enhance mutual understanding on key defense issues.

Both sides pledged to maintain close and continuous consultations on matters pertinent to the security of the ROK-U.S. Alliance going forward.