U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the strong Korea-U.S. alliance on the anniversary of the armistice agreement.
On the 28th, the day after the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement (local time), President Trump stated in his 'presidential message' that "we are committed to protecting the Korean Peninsula and cooperating for the noble cause of safety, stability, prosperity, and peace in accordance with our diplomatic policy of 'peace through strength.'
President Trump noted, "While the evil of communism still exists in Asia, the U.S. and South Korean armies stand united today under a strong alliance."
He added that "even after about 70 years since the armistice agreement was signed in Panmunjom, the dividing line between North and South Korea remains at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel" and expressed pride that "as a sitting U.S. president, I was the first to cross this DMZ into North Korea during my first term."
He also mentioned, "During my first administration, I maintained maximum pressure on North Korea to negotiate denuclearization, the release of American hostages, and the return of U.S. military remains."
President Trump had previously proclaimed 'Korean War Veterans Armistice Day' on July 27, 2017, marking the 64th anniversary of the armistice agreement during his first term and issued proclamations annually until 2020, before leaving office.