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S. Korean, US defense chiefs reaffirm close ties on denuke efforts

TOKYO, June 25 (KUNA) -- South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and new US acting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to a strong alliance between the two countries to help move denuclearization efforts forward, Yonhap News Agency reported.
"The two sides reaffirmed that they will continue to support the countries' diplomatic efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula based upon their staunch combined defense posture," the Defense Ministry said in a release.
Esper, who served as secretary of the Army, took over the post on Monday (Washington time) after his predecessor Patrick Shanahan stepped down over family issues. US President Donald Trump also announced his intent to nominate Esper to secretary of defense, the White House said on Friday.
Sharing an understanding on the importance of a close partnership between the top defense officials to further deepen the alliance, the two sides also pledged to have close communication, the ministry said. "In order to exchange opinions on various pending issues more deeply, (the two chiefs) expected to have a chance to meet in person soon," the ministry added. (end) mk.hb