S. Korea signs deal to pay more for US troops

SEOUL: Officials signed a shortterm agreement yesterday to boost South Korea’s contribution to the upkeep of United States troops on the peninsula, after a previous deal lapsed amid US President Donald Trump’s call for the South to pay more.

The new deal must still be approved by South Korea’s Parliament, but it would boost its contribution to 1.03 trillion won (RM3.6 billion) from 960 billion won last year.

Unlike past agreements, which lasted for five years, this one is scheduled to expire in a year, potentially forcing both sides back to the bargaining table within months.

“It has been a very long process, but ultimately a very successful one,” South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha said.

While acknowledging lingering criticism of the new deal and the need for parliamentary approval, Kang said the response had “been positive so far”.