Vice Minister of National Defense Baek Seung-joo (right) and Deputy Director General of Arms Control Moon Sang-gyun (center) explain the upcoming Seoul Defense Dialogue, scheduled for Sept. 9 to 11, during a press briefing for foreign correspondents at the Korea Press Center on Sept. 1.
The fourth Seoul Defense Dialogue will be held from Sept. 9 to 11. The annual international gathering that focuses on global defense cooperation will be attended by vice ministerial-level government officials, international organizations and delegations from 37 countries, as well as civilian defense experts. Participants will discuss defense security cooperation not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the Asia-Pacific region, but also at the global level. They will discuss measures to jointly respond to security threats and issues, such as cyber terrorism, violent extremism, maritime crises and nuclear non-proliferation.
Vice Minister of National Defense Baek Seung-joo explains that the upcoming Seoul Defense Dialogue will be a security mechanism that will contribute to world peace.
Vice Minister of National Defense Baek Seung-joo said, “The Seoul Defense Dialogue will become a security mechanism that will contribute to preparations for the unification of the Korean Peninsula, peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, and, ultimately, to world peace.” He emphasized the significance of the upcoming gathering during a press briefing for foreign correspondents at the Korea Press Center on Sept. 1.
In regard to its main theme, “70 Years of the Post-WW II era and the Division of Korea: Challenges and Prospects,” Vice minister Baek said, “Given that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and, at the same time, the 70th anniversary of the division of the Korean Peninsula, it shows that within the world’s history, Korea stands at the heart of Northeast Asia’s international politics and of world history. At this period of time, the Korean government feels obliged to complete its historic assignment of successfully preparing for the peaceful unification of Korea, which can only come about when it works in tandem with international politics.”
Deputy Director General of Arms Control Moon Sang-gyun explains the agenda of the upcoming Seoul Defense Dialogue.
Deputy Director General of Arms Control Moon Sang-gyun said during the briefing that, “The Seoul Defense Dialogue is a multilateral security dialogue that pursues peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It is composed of vice ministerial-level meetings and meetings for civilian security experts. The participating countries have been reviewing the security condition in the Asia-Pacific area and have built a mechanism of common understanding and mutual trust.”
Briefing participants discussed cyber protection and defense cooperation, one of the agenda items of the gathering. In regard to the two-day cyber working group meeting, Baek said, “Many countries show a strong interest in cyber protection in the security and defense sectors. I believe the Seoul Defense Dialogue will be the first multilateral security dialogue in the world where we can discuss such issues. Although we are still in the beginning stages, the upcoming gathering will offer opportunities to all countries to share related knowledge and experience, and to discuss the concept of cyber protection and other related information.”
Vice Minister of National Defense Baek Seung-joo (right) and Deputy Director General of Arms Control Moon Sang-gyun (center) engage in a Q&A session during the press briefing for foreign correspondents.
Journalists attend a press briefing for foreign correspondents about the upcoming Seoul Defense Dialogue, at the Korea Press Center on Sept. 1.
Article by Yoon Sojung
Photos: Wi Tack-whan
Korea.net Staff Writers
arete@korea.kr
