▲ South Korean and U.S. officials leading the negotiations on defense cost sharing hold their second round of talks at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis in Seoul on May 21, 2024, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

US-defense cost sharing talks

U.S. says working toward 'mutually acceptable' defense cost sharing deal with S. Korea

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, May 24 (Yonhap) -- The United States is working with South Korea to reach a "mutually acceptable" agreement in their negotiations on sharing the cost of stationing its troops in South Korea, its delegation for the talks said Friday.

The U.S. made the statement after holding the second round of the negotiations in Seoul that took place from Tuesday through Thursday this week. The talks are aimed at determining how much South Korea should shoulder for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), starting in 2026.

"The delegations from the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) continued productive and substantive discussions, as we continue to work toward our common objective of a mutually acceptable agreement that supports our shared security," the statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul read.

"These conversations reflect the enduring strength of, and our commitment to, the U.S.-ROK Alliance, as part of a robust combined defense posture that safeguards peace and prosperity for the Korean and American people," it said.

The negotiations for the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) have drawn attention amid the view that Seoul is seeking an early deal in case former President Donald Trump returns to the White House after the November election.

South Korea had a hard time in the last SMA negotiations as Washington, under Trump's presidency, had demanded more than a fivefold increase in Seoul's payment to US$5 billion.

Wrapping up this week's talks Thursday, a Seoul official said the latest round has been about "enhancing the understanding" on each other's positions and "exchanged opinions for a mutual review" on the areas concerning each side.

Under the current six-year SMA, due to end in 2025, South Korea agreed to raise the payment by 13.9 percent from 2019 to $1.03 billion for 2021 and increase the payment every year for the subsequent four years in line with the rise in Seoul's defense spending.

"We look forward to continuing our consultations soon," the U.S delegation said in the readout.

The next round of the negotiations is expected to take place in Washington.

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