○ Pledges continued cooperation with the U.S. Eighth Army to enhance the ROK–U.S. alliance
– Gyeonggi Province and the U.S. Eighth Army reaffirm shared commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation under the ROK-U.S. alliance

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Lieutenant General Joseph Joe Hilbert, the new Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, on February 2 at Dodamso (gubernatorial residence) in Suwon City, where they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the partnership between Gyeonggi Province and the U.S. Eighth Army as well as the ever-evolving ROK–U.S. alliance.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest including closer coordination and communication regarding the U.S. military bases located in the province.

“As approximately 80 percent of United States Forces Korea personnel are stationed in Gyeonggi Province, the cooperative relationship between our province and the U.S. Eighth Army is crucial to provincial administration,” said Governor Kim. “We will spare no effort in providing the necessary support so that U.S. service members can feel that Gyeonggi Province is their second home.”

He also promised continued efforts to strengthen the ROK–U.S. alliance in order to respond to changes in the international and regional security environment.

Lieutenant General Hilbert assumed command of the U.S. Eighth Army on October 23, 2025. He previously served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division and Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery.

Gyeonggi Province continues to promote a range of Korea–U.S. exchange and cooperation programs for US service members and their families—including Korean language, history, and culture education as well as security and cultural experience programs—to support their adaptation to local communities and enhance their understanding of Korean culture.