By Kim Ji-eun

The "Korea-U.S. Space Forum," co-hosted by South Korea and the United States to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance, kicked off its two-day schedule on Nov. 6.

"Today, the Korea-U.S. partnership is a global comprehensive strategic alliance," said Foreign Minister Park Jin in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the forum at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul on Nov. 6. "Our collaborative efforts are not limited to the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, but extend beyond the Indo-Pacific region and into space."

Commenting on the "militarization of space," Park said, "(Space) is becoming a huge geopolitical chessboard," and explained that "ensuring a safe and sustainable outer space while considering the interests and priorities of various stakeholders is a very complex task.

"Through the U.S.-ROK Alliance, we share a commitment to creating a safe and sustainable space environment for all," he said. "Based on our shared values, we will be able to strengthen our cooperation in the multilateral arena and create norms, rules, and principles for responsible space behavior."

"Our space cooperation is rooted in shared values, innovation, and transparency, and benefits the people of both countries," said U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg. "The U.S.-South Korea relationship is transforming from a primarily military (partnership) to a truly comprehensive global partnership today. Our alliance is stronger than ever."

The seven-day forum will bring together more than 40 experts from both countries, including government and agency officials, space companies, and research institutions.

They will discuss in-depth the agenda, which includes space diplomacy cooperation between Korea and the United States for the sustainability of space, space cooperation at the national security level, space exploration cooperation in low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars, and space economy cooperation in the new space age.