Washington, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement in response to Thursday's decision by the Republic of Korea to abandon the General Security of Military Information Agreement with Japan:
“I am deeply concerned by President Moon Jae-in's decision to terminate the General Security of Military Information Agreement, a hard sought and important agreement that contributes to a shared understanding of regional security threats between U.S. allies.
“This decision is particularly troubling given the justification for exiting the agreement indicates a failure to compartmentalize long-standing historical issues between Seoul and Tokyo. It is irresponsible to allow the escalating tensions to hinder practical national security-oriented cooperation that impacts not just Korea and Japan but the entire region.
“I have tremendous respect for South Korea’s vibrant democracy and am a strong supporter of the U.S.-ROK alliance, which is essential to the regional security architecture. However, at a time when the United States, Japan, and South Korea should be working together to counter North Korea’s provocative ballistic missile tests, Seoul’s decision undermines regional security. It's crucial that our allies continue to coordinate to ensure the peace and stability of Northeast Asia.
“I urge the leadership in both countries to work together to resolve their differences and to ensure that the economic and security order is strengthened.”
“I am deeply concerned by President Moon Jae-in's decision to terminate the General Security of Military Information Agreement, a hard sought and important agreement that contributes to a shared understanding of regional security threats between U.S. allies.
“This decision is particularly troubling given the justification for exiting the agreement indicates a failure to compartmentalize long-standing historical issues between Seoul and Tokyo. It is irresponsible to allow the escalating tensions to hinder practical national security-oriented cooperation that impacts not just Korea and Japan but the entire region.
“I have tremendous respect for South Korea’s vibrant democracy and am a strong supporter of the U.S.-ROK alliance, which is essential to the regional security architecture. However, at a time when the United States, Japan, and South Korea should be working together to counter North Korea’s provocative ballistic missile tests, Seoul’s decision undermines regional security. It's crucial that our allies continue to coordinate to ensure the peace and stability of Northeast Asia.
“I urge the leadership in both countries to work together to resolve their differences and to ensure that the economic and security order is strengthened.”
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