Authorities in the United States and South Korea recently announced Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea on Thursday. According to the Washington Examiner, Harris will see the DMZ’s installations, interact with military men, and receive an operational briefing from American commanders.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced the trip during a meeting with Harris in Tokyo, later confirmed by the White House. During the trip, Harris will reportedly “reflect on the shared sacrifice of tens of thousands of American and Korean soldiers who fought and died together, and will reaffirm that the U.S. commitment to the ROK’s defense is ironclad.” Harris told Han, “The United States alliance with the Republic of Korea is the linchpin of security and prosperity,” adding, “We take that relationship seriously.”

Additionally, the White House claimed, “The visit will underscore the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, and the United States’ commitment to stand beside the ROK in the face of any threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” 

Han said the highly symbolic visit shows how strongly the U.S. is committed to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He stated, “We are working with you and the U.S. in dealing with North Korea.” According to North Korean state-run media, the nation’s leader, Kim Jong Un, claims the country will “never give up” its nuclear weapons, which Han described as an “imminent threat.”