Seo Wook: "Myanmar's Democracy Must Be Restored Quickly"... ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Seo Wook, Minister of National Defense, participated in the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held via video conference on the 16th, exchanging views on the international security environment and requesting the international community's support for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process, the Ministry of National Defense announced.

The meeting, hosted by the Second Minister of Defense of Brunei, the ASEAN chair country this year, was attended by defense ministers from the 10 ASEAN countries as well as Korea, the United States, China, Japan, and five other countries, totaling eight nations.

In his presentation at the plenary session, Minister Seo stated that amid the spread of COVID-19, fierce strategic competition among countries and non-traditional security threats have intensified uncertainties in the region.

Minister Seo proposed, "We must establish the principle of respecting international norms that reflect international law and the universal values of humanity," adding, "To prevent conflicts of interest between countries and to mediate disputes, a code of conduct accepted by all countries is necessary." He further said, "The 'ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)' adopted by ASEAN leaders in 2019 provides a good direction for such a code of conduct," and "The Korean government supports the openness, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for international norms principles presented in the AOIP."

Minister Seo emphasized, "The recent situation in Myanmar must also be resolved in a manner that respects universal human values such as human rights and freedom," and stated, "Violence against civilians cannot be justified under any pretext. We hope for the swift restoration of stability, peace, and democracy in Myanmar."

Minister Seo noted that a firm consensus was reached between the two heads of state at the Korea-US summit in May regarding progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process, and based on this, he requested the international community's support and cooperation for denuclearization and the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Seo held a video conference bilateral meeting with Chanthamon Chanyarat, Minister of National Defense of Laos, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen defense cooperation. Korea and Laos plan to expand cooperation in areas such as mutual personnel exchanges, military education and training, and logistics cooperation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.