Top S. Korean, U.S., Japanese, Australian Army officials discuss deterrence against N.K. threats

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korean, U.S., Japanese and Australian Army officials have discussed ways to deter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at a gathering of military officials in the Indo-Pacific region, the South's Army said Monday.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su held the talks with Gen. Charles Flynn, U.S. Army Pacific commander, and his Japanese and Australian counterparts -- Gen. Yasunori Morishita and Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, respectively -- during a panel discussion at the Land Forces Pacific Symposium in Hawaii on Wednesday.

"They assessed the current regional security situation, and held in-depth discussions on deterring and responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and ways for multilateral security cooperation to ensure stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," the Army said.

They also agreed to expand the scope of multilateral exchanges and cooperation, as well as high-level exchanges, according to the Army.

At the gathering, Park also met with Gen. Roly Walker, the next head of the British Army, and his Malaysian counterpart, Tan Sri Dato Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, to discuss strengthening exchanges and arms industry cooperation.

The talks took place as part of Park's eight-day trip to the United States that began May 12.

Last Monday, Park met his U.S. counterpart, Gen. Randy George, at the Pentagon to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanges, according to the Army.

yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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