SEOUL - The fifth round of negotiations between South Korea and the United States on the cost-sharing for the presence of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) is slated to occur this week in Seoul. This series of discussions, part of the Special Measures Agreement, will run from Wednesday to Friday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, these talks follow closely on the heels of the fourth round, which took place in late June. The negotiations began earlier this year amidst concerns that an early agreement would be beneficial before any potential political shifts in the U.S. The South Korean government aims to ensure the cost-sharing reflects a reasonable level to maintain a stable environment for the USFK and to strengthen the allies' combined defense posture.