U.S. says it will work toward 'mutually acceptable' defense cost-sharing deal with Korea

Washington is working with Seoul to reach a "mutually acceptable" agreement in their negotiations on sharing the cost of U.S. troops in Korea, its delegation for the talks said Friday.

The United States issued a statement after holding the second round of the negotiations in Seoul that took place from Tuesday through Thursday. The talks are aimed at determining how much Korea should shoulder for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) from 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, referring to Korea by its official name.

"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 prompted speculation that Seoul is seeking an early deal in case former President Donald Trump returns to the White House after the November election.

Korea had a hard time in the last SMA negotiations as Washington, under Trump's presidency, demanded a more than fivefold increase to $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 the two parties "exchanged opinions for a mutual review" on the areas concerning each side.

Under the current six-year SMA, due to end in 2025, 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.

Yonhap