Mr. Lee, Yong Cheol, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program

Administration (DAPA) attended the 75th Battle of Gapyeong Memorial

Ceremony to pay tribute to the noble sacrifice of the veterans who fought in

the Battle of Gapyeong and reaffirm the importance of cooperation with

international partners on April 24th at the Commonwealth monument located in

Gapyeong Country, Gyeonggi Province.

The ceremony, which commemorates the battle that took place in April

1951 to defend against the Chinese Spring Offensive, is held every year with

the participation by four Commonwealth countries (United Kingdom, Canada,

Australia, and New Zealand). The Battle of Gapyeong is regarded as a

testament to the courage and sacrifice by the Commonwealth nations where

approximately 2,000 soldiers of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade successfully

defeated a Chinese force over five times their size.

This year’s event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Army

Chiefs of Staff of the four Commonwealth members and their respective

ambassadors to Korea. Together, they underscored the blood-forged alliance between the Republic of Korea and the Commonwealth countries while

honoring the service of the Commonwealth heroes.

Minister Lee emphasized that the Republic of Korea will remember sacrifice

and dedication of the veterans who came to defend liberal democracy, and

continue to bolster the ties with the sending states in national defense and

security. He added that the ceremony served as an opportunity to solidify the

strategic relationship with the Commonwealth nations and explore new

opportunities for collaboration in a wide range of areas including the defense

industry.

DAPA remains committed to broadening its partnership with the

Commonwealth countries based on our shared history, and will continue to

take a proactive stance in navigating the shifting dynamics of global security.