An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.
Immediate Release

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo Joint Press Statement

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo met on June 4 on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. They discussed North Korea, the regional security environment, and U.S.-ROK Alliance cooperation.

 

Secretary Carter and Minister Han discussed the current situation in North Korea. Secretary Carter and Minister Han strongly condemned North Korea's fourth nuclear test and missile launches as clear violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. Secretary Carter and Minister Han renewed their call on North Korea to adhere to its international commitments and abandon its nuclear program in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. The United States reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK and pledged to draw on the full range of its military capabilities to continue to provide extended deterrence to the ROK.

 

At the same time, Secretary Carter and Minister Han noted the importance of full and effective implementation by all United Nations (UN) Member States of UN Security Council Resolution 2270 and previous relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and decided to continue close U.S.-ROK cooperation to promote effective global enforcement.

 

Secretary Carter and Minister Han pledged to continue to enhance close Alliance cooperation to address regional and global security challenges of mutual interest, including efforts to enhance trilateral security cooperation with Japan, reinforce maritime security, and combat terrorism and violent extremism.

 

Secretary Carter and Minister Han lauded the unwavering strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, the linchpin of regional peace and stability, and underscored their shared commitment to building a comprehensive, global alliance based on shared values and interests.