Emphasizing the Role of Public Officials Amid Crisis at the Opening Ceremony
Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, stated on the 2nd, "Although the new year has dawned, the Republic of Korea is facing an unprecedentedly serious situation," and added, "We will make every effort to ensure that the foundation of the nation's security and the people's lives, including steadfast diplomacy and security, unwavering economy, securing the safety of the people, harmony, and integration, does not waver."
Acting President Choi made these remarks during his New Year's address at the Government Seoul Office and urged, "All public officials should devote themselves wholeheartedly to stabilizing the administration early so that the people can maintain their daily lives."
To establish a solid security posture, he said, "Our military currently maintains an ironclad security posture, and based on the ROK-U.S. alliance, we are developing ROK-U.S.-Japan security cooperation while also strengthening solidarity with other allied countries," emphasizing, "In particular, we will further solidify the combined defense posture of the ROK and the U.S. in response to the North Korean nuclear threat and Russia-North Korea military cooperation."
Regarding the inauguration of the second term of the Trump administration in the United States, he stated, "We will respond swiftly to issues in diplomacy, security, and trade, and maintain close communication and consultation with major countries including the U.S." Acting President Choi also said, "To prevent volatility in the financial and foreign exchange markets, we will continue to communicate closely with overseas credit rating agencies and foreign investors, prioritizing the management of external credibility, while strengthening cooperation among ministries and agencies."
For the rapid recovery of the livelihood economy, he announced, "We will strive to increase the public's perception of policies through prompt budget execution, while focusing policy capabilities on stable price management and supporting the management of small business owners and self-employed individuals to rekindle the spark of domestic demand recovery."
He also urged thorough efforts to protect the safety of the people. Acting President Choi said, "Protecting the people from disasters and crimes and safeguarding their lives and property is the most fundamental duty of the state as mandated by the Constitution," and mentioned, "Please concentrate on cracking down on various crimes that threaten the daily lives of the people and securing public safety."
Furthermore, he ordered, "Eradicate livelihood-related offenders targeting socially vulnerable groups, operate emergency medical services and other emergency treatment systems flawlessly to prevent medical gaps, and prepare for winter safety accidents such as cold waves and heavy snowfall."
He emphasized, "To promote national harmony and integration, we must strengthen communication with all sectors of society to resolve social conflicts and unite the will of the people," and stated, "For the stabilization of the administration and resolution of current issues, unity and cooperation among the National Assembly, ruling and opposition parties, political circles, and leadership are urgently needed."
Acting President Choi said, "The role of public officials is very important, especially when the country is in difficulty," and urged, "Each public official should have a sense of mission that they are at the center of state affairs and dedicate themselves to the nation and the people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
