The United States hopes for greater contributions by South Korea and other allies to its push to bolster its missile defense networks around the world, a senior State Department official said Monday.
"Creating this new strategic environment depends on strong cooperation with our allies and partners. In order to make this vision a reality, President (Barack) Obama has made international cooperation on missile defense a key priority," said Frank A. Rose, deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance.
He was speaking during a trip to Berlin, Germany, according to a transcript released by the department.
In the Asia-Pacific, Rose said, the U.S. is continuing to cooperate through bilateral alliances and key partnerships.
"We are also continuing to discuss BMD bilaterally with the Republic of Korea," he said, using the official name of South Korea. BMD stands for ballistic missile defense.
The international community remains concerned about North Korea's development of ballistic missiles, especially those that can carry nuclear bombs.
Pyongyang conducted its latest long-range rocket test in April but it failed.
Rose emphasized the need for international cooperation to counter such missile threats "After all, developing robust regional deterrence architectures is not the job of the United States alone," he said. "It requires close and continuing cooperation with all of our allies and partners in order to succeed." (Yonhap News)
