Published: July 10, 2018 10:33:06 | Updated: July 10, 2018 15:10:14
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet in the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, South Korea, April 27, 2018. Reuters
South Korea said on Tuesday it has decided to scrap an annual government mobilization drill this year as part of a suspended joint exercise with the United States but will carry out its own drills to maintain readiness.
The ministers of safety and defence made the announcement at a media briefing on Tuesday. The drill, called the Ulchi exercises, usually takes place every August in tandem with the joint Freedom Guardian military drill with the United States.
Seoul and Washington said in June they would halt the joint exercise after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to end war games following his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12.
Seoul’s presidential office has said the suspension of the combined exercise could facilitate ongoing nuclear talks between North Korea and the United States.
South Korea would develop a new drill model by incorporating Ulchi and the existing Taeguk command post exercises, which would be aimed at fighting militancy and large-scale natural disasters, the ministers said.
That incorporated exercise would be launched in October when the Hoguk field training drill takes place, the ministers said, Reuters reported.
“Our military will carry out planned standalone drills this year and decide on joint exercises through close consultations with the United States,” Defence Minister Song Young-moo said.
Modi breaks protocol to welcome Saudi crown prince
Imran Khan warns India against military action
Pakistan urges UN to intervene over Kashmir tension with India
Pakistan's ISI behind Kashmir bombing: Indian commander
Pakistan recalls envoy from India amid tensions
Militant attacks on Pakistan paramilitary kill six
Four Indian soldiers among five die in Kashmir gunbattle: Police
Saudi crown prince signs $20b in deals with Pakistan
Iran summons Pak envoy over suicide bomb attack
UAE announces $1.1b of military deals with international companies
Beximco Pharma to acquire eight ANDAs from Sandoz Inc
BB, BPO spar over Nagad licensing
Move to raise Tk 8.78t from bond mkt to propel economic growth
Tax sops harbour inept, hurt consumers
FY ’16 to be new GDP base year
Tariff, NTBs impede RMG’s access to Indian market
RHD to build 60-km circular road to ease city’s gridlock
© 2017 - All Rights with The Financial Express