S. Korean DM nominee wants inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement

(MENAFN) Ahn Gyu-back, nominated as South Korea’s Defense Minister, has emphasized the importance of reinstating the military tension reduction agreement between the two Koreas, as the new administration works to improve relations with the North.

In response to a question from an opposition lawmaker about restoring the pact, Ahn stated in a written reply that “For the sake of sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, it is necessary to ease inter-Korean military tension and establish trust.”

The 2018 agreement was fully suspended by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration in June last year, following North Korea’s repeated balloon campaigns carrying trash and disruptions to GPS signals near border islands.

Ahn indicated that he plans to carefully review the situation and seek a practical approach that will reduce military tensions and build confidence between the two Koreas.

If confirmed, Ahn will be the first civilian to hold the defense minister position in 64 years, a post usually reserved for retired military generals. His confirmation hearing is set for July 15.

Regarding the U.S. call for its allies to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP, Ahn said South Korea will make its own decision after “comprehensively reviewing the security environment and the government's fiscal circumstances.”

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