President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the crucial role of the United States Indo-Pacific Command in elevating the alliance between Seoul and Washington to new heights amidst escalating geopolitical tensions beyond the Korean Peninsula. During his visit to the headquarters of the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, Yoon underscored the command's support for the combined combat readiness of South Korea and the US, highlighting its pivotal role in providing US reinforcement in the event of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. He also emphasized the command's significance in defending the rules-based order and regional stability, particularly in the face of growing geopolitical tensions and military exchanges involving North Korea and Russia. Yoon's visit to the Indo-Pacific Command coincided with his meeting with Adm. Samuel Paparo, where he stressed the increasing importance of the combined defense readiness posture of South Korea and the United States in light of North Korea's nuclear advancements and provocations. Additionally, Yoon's decision to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine was noted as a demonstration of his recognition of the interconnectedness of security in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region. The visit also included a gesture of gratitude from first lady Kim Keon-hee to overseas Koreans in Hawaii for their contributions to the South Korea-US alliance. Yoon departed from Hawaii to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit in Washington, representing one of the four Indo-Pacific partners alongside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.