Washington's top defense officials have expressed their discontent over Seoul's decision to withdraw from GSOMIA, its intelligence sharing pact with Japan,... amid intensified trade and history-related tensions between the two neighbors.
They urged South Korea to renew the agreement,... while highlighting the importance of two-way dialogue.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed his disappointment over the diplomatic row between South Korea and Japan that recently prompted Seoul to terminate an intelligence sharing pact with its Asian neighbor.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Wednesday,... Esper said he hopes to see Seoul and Tokyo resolve their differences.
He also pointed out that there are common threats - namely North Korea and China,... and cooperation makes the alliance stronger.
Speaking at a different event on the same day,... U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, Randall Schriver, called on Seoul to recommit to the General Security of Military Information Agreement and renew the deal.
He also explained that the U.S. has repeatedly made clear to the South Korean government that pulling out would negatively affect not only Seoul's bilateral ties with Tokyo but also Washington's security interests and those of other allies.
Schriver repeatedly stressed that Seoul and Tokyo should participate in meaningful dialogue to address their differences.
Last week, South Korea announced its intent to withdraw from the intelligence sharing agreement that expires in late November,... based on grounds that Tokyo refused to engage in separate talks on resolving trade and historical disputes.
Meanwhile, South Korea's ambassador to Washington, Cho Yoon-je has reaffirmed the government's stance to maintain the robust Seoul-Washington alliance.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday,... Cho said Washington's expression of regret over Seoul's decision is understandable, but stressed it was reached after deep and careful consideration.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.