An Kyu-baek: "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Must Be Achieved Together With Neighboring Countries"

Defense Minister An Kyubaek Attends ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting
"North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Capabilities Pose a Major Challenge to Regional Peace"

"Peace on the Korean Peninsula must be achieved not only by South and North Korea but also through the joint efforts of neighboring countries, including China, and the international community."

Defense Minister An Kyu-baek is attending the ASEAN Expanded Defense Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On November 1, Defense Minister An Kyu-baek attended the 12th ASEAN Expanded Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM-Plus) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He stated, "The advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities, as well as the modernization of its conventional forces, poses a significant challenge to regional peace and stability, as well as to the international non-proliferation regime."

Minister An emphasized, "The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea will consistently pursue a 'two-track' approach, maintaining strong deterrence through a close South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, while simultaneously working to reduce military tensions and build trust."

He went on to introduce President Lee Jaemyung's 'END' (Exchange, Normalization of Relations, Denuclearization) initiative toward North Korea, urging neighboring countries such as China and the international community to support South Korea's North Korea policy.

Minister An stressed, "Peace and stability in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, which are central to ASEAN, are common interests for all," adding, "For South Korea, which has a high dependence on trade and relies on maritime routes for most of its key energy resources, this region is nothing less than a 'lifeline.'"

He further stated, "Cooperation with ASEAN countries to ensure the safety of regional maritime routes is a critical issue for us," adding, "As a 'partner for peace and stability,' the Ministry of National Defense of Korea will actively participate in efforts to promote peace and security for all, including ASEAN."

This year's ASEAN Expanded Defense Ministers' Meeting was attended by defense ministers from 11 ASEAN countries, as well as eight partner countries: South Korea, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun were also present.

At this meeting, Minister An met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth for the first time since taking office. Secretary Hegseth congratulated the successful hosting of the recent South Korea-U.S. summit in Gyeongju and expressed his anticipation of meeting again at the South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) to be held in South Korea next week.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Minister An expressed his gratitude for Secretary Hegseth's congratulations and responded by suggesting that the two sides work together closely to further realize the successful outcomes of the South Korea-U.S. summit.