Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back vowed Tuesday to provide military backing for the government’s initiatives to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula and repair fractured relations with North Korea.
If confirmed, I will ensure military support for the administration’s peace-building efforts on the Korean Peninsula,
Ahn declared during his parliamentary confirmation hearing.
The nominee underscored the critical need to maintain open channels for engagement with Pyongyang.
While we must establish a robust deterrence based on our formidable military capabilities, it’s equally crucial to keep the door open for dialogue to reduce tensions and build trust,
Ahn asserted. He committed to pursuing a peace strategy grounded in strength and sustainability.
Ahn, a seasoned lawmaker with five terms under his belt, was tapped last month as President Lee Jae Myung’s inaugural defense chief. His nomination marks a significant shift, as he’s poised to become the first civilian to lead the Defense Ministry in 64 years – a position traditionally held by retired military brass. (Yonhap)
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