Korea and the US will maintain their seventh spherical of negotiations in Seoul this week on figuring out Seoul’s share of the fee for stationing the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), official stated Monday.
The talks are set to happen from Tuesday via Thursday, led by the chief negotiators — Lee Tae-woo of Korea and Linda Specht representing the US — because the allies work to resume the present six-year deal, which can expire on the finish of subsequent 12 months.
Below the Particular Measures Settlement (SMA), Seoul has since 1991 partially shared the fee for Korean USFK employees; the development of navy installations, comparable to barracks, in addition to coaching, instructional, operational and communications amenities; and different logistical help.
The newest negotiations had been launched in April as Korea is looking for to strike an early deal to apparently keep away from powerful bargaining if former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White Home.
Below Trump’s presidency, Washington had demanded greater than a fivefold enhance in Seoul’s fee to $5 billion.
Korea has referred to as for an settlement that may set its share at “an inexpensive degree,” and the U.S. has careworn the aim of reaching “a mutually acceptable” deal.
The present SMA dedicated Korea to paying $1.03 billion for 2021, a 13.9 % enhance from 2019, and growing the fee yearly for the next 4 years in step with the rise in Seoul’s protection spending. (Yonhap)