Seoul:<Text>

South Korea's Army chief met his counterparts from four Commonwealth nations to discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to expand military cooperation, the Army said Thursday. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Gyu-ha held talks with the chiefs of Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand during their visit to attend an event marking the Battle of Gapyeong in the 1950-53 Korean War, the Army said in a press release.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the four countries deployed forces under a United Nations resolution during the war and have held annual commemorations in April. This year marks the first time all four nations' army chiefs have visited South Korea together. Kim expressed deep gratitude for their countries' sacrifices, saying their contributions laid the foundation for South Korea's development and prosperity.

The participants agreed that closer cooperation among partner nations was essential to maintaining peace a nd stability on the Korean Peninsula, and responding to broader regional security challenges, the Army said. They agreed to continue military cooperation through army-to-army meetings, high-level exchanges, and joint exercises.

Simon Stuart, chief of the Australian Army, said the solidarity forged during the war remains significant in bilateral relations and that Australia could continue to advance exchanges and cooperation with the Korean Army.