Army chiefs from four nations visit South Korea for joint talks

South Korea’s Army Chief of Staff, General Kim Gyu-ha, held a series of meetings with his counterparts from four Commonwealth countries to discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and explore ways to deepen military cooperation, the Army said on Thursday, April 23.

The talks took place during a visit by the army chiefs of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who travelled to South Korea to attend a commemorative event marking the Battle of Gapyeong, fought during the 1950–1953 Korean War. The engagement was confirmed in an official Army press release, as per Korean media.

The four countries had deployed forces to the Korean Peninsula under a United Nations resolution during the war and have since held annual commemorations in April to honour their involvement. According to the South Korean Army, this year marked the first occasion on which the army chiefs of all four nations visited the country together.

During the meetings, Kim expressed deep appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by the partner nations, stating that their support played a foundational role in South Korea’s subsequent development and prosperity.

According to the Army, participants agreed that strengthening cooperation among partner militaries remains essential for maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as for addressing wider regional security challenges.

The sides committed to continuing and expanding military cooperation through regular army-to-army consultations, high-level exchanges, and joint training exercises.

Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart emphasised that the solidarity forged during the Korean War continues to shape bilateral ties, adding that Australia remains committed to further advancing exchanges and cooperation with the South Korean Army.

By Tamilla Hasanova