Seoul: Officials from South Korea, the United States, and other nations that took part in the 1950-53 Korean War convened in Washington to urge for stronger solidarity amidst global security challenges, including the military threats posed by North Korea. The call was made during the International Conference on Veterans Affairs, organized by South Korea's Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, marking its first occurrence outside South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the event, attended by around 200 individuals, included representatives from countries such as France, Turkey, the Philippines, and Thailand. Since 2005, the ministry has held this conference to foster policy exchanges and cooperation among countries that contributed troops under the U.N. banner during the Korean War.

In her opening address, South Korea's Vice Veterans Minister Kang Yun-jin expressed Seoul's gratitude to the 22 nations that supported South Korea during the war. She emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by veterans, stating, "The sacrifice, dedication, and courage demonstrated by these veterans during the Korean War are precious values that must never be forgotten."

Kang also highlighted the significance of holding the conference in the U.S. as it celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence. She noted that freedom was a defining value of this milestone, with the Korean War exemplifying this value. "Seventy-six years ago, when Korea faced a grave crisis following the invasion of communist forces, the U.S. was the first to respond and deploy the largest number of troops to defend freedom," she said.

Jennifer Walsh, principal deputy director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, reiterated the agency's commitment to recovering U.S. service members unaccounted for from the Korean War. She mentioned that her agency estimates over 7,000 recoverable troops from the war, providing hope and motivation to bring these heroes home.

Video messages from Seoul-based diplomats of participating countries acknowledged the sacrifices of Korean War veterans, which laid the groundwork for freedom and peace. Jim Heller, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and Ashley Mulroney, charg© d'Affaires at the Canadian Embassy, both expressed appreciation for the shared sacrifices and enduring cooperation among the nations involved.