Seoul: Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back has emphasized the importance of restoring a previously scrapped inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement, as a document revealed on Wednesday. This move is part of the new government's efforts to repair the strained relations with North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn articulated in a written statement that for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, it is crucial to reduce military tensions and build trust between the two Koreas. His comments were made in response to an inquiry from main opposition People Power Party Rep. Kang Dae-sik regarding his stance on the restoration of the military pact.
The 2018 agreement, which aimed at reducing military tensions, was fully suspended by South Korea in June of the previous year. This suspension occurred under the administration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol as a reaction to North Korea's persistent trash balloon campaigns and attempts to interfere with GPS signals near border areas.
Ahn highlighted the agreement's significance, noting it as the "first-ever comprehensive and practical" accord targeting the de-escalation of military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He stated that the agreement provided concrete methods to implement the principles and values previously agreed upon in an abstract and declarative manner by both Koreas.
Additionally, Ahn addressed the topic of defense spending, asserting that South Korea will independently decide on its defense budget. This statement comes amid a call from the U.S. for allied nations to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP. Ahn remarked that the decision will be made after a thorough review of the security environment and the government's fiscal conditions.
Ahn, a veteran lawmaker with five terms in office, was nominated as President Lee Jae Myung's first defense minister last month. If confirmed, he would be the first civilian to assume the role of defense chief in 64 years, a position traditionally held by retired military generals. The National Assembly is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing for Ahn on July 15.