South Korean minister backs Trump's decision to reduce joint military drills for peninsula peace

South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young has voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. Jeong described the move as a result of Trump's "careful consideration for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." The Unification Ministry agrees with this decision, he said.

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The decision regarding the reduction of joint drills was made after careful consideration for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking at a National Assembly committee meeting, Jeong expressed hope that the reduction in drills would foster productive dialogue between North Korea and the United States. He also anticipates that this could lead to improved relations between the two Koreas. "We hope this (reduction of joint drills) will develop into meaningful North Korea-U.S. dialogue and expand into improved inter-Korean relations," Jeong stated.

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We hope this (reduction of joint drills) will develop into meaningful North Korea-U.S. dialogue and expand into improved inter-Korean relations.

Addressing concerns from opposition party members, Jeong reiterated that the primary objective of the South Korea-U.S. alliance is peace and stability on the peninsula. He pointed to Trump's remarks about the situation becoming "safer" as the core rationale behind the decision. "Hasn't President Trump mentioned that '(the situation) will become safer'? That is the key," Jeong added.

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Hasn't President Trump mentioned that '(the situation) will become safer'? That is the key.