Kwon Young-se: "Building Trust Through Establishing Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee Is Worth Considering"

"Tactical Nuclear Redeployment Discussion Is Not the Government's Position"

On the 24th, at the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification held by the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs (right), and Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification (center), are having a conversation. On the left is Seok Dong-hyun, Secretary General of the National Unification Advisory Council.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Unification Minister Kwon Young-se has expressed that the idea of forming a South-North Joint Military Committee to build trust in the military sector is "worth thoroughly considering."

On the 24th, during the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Unification by the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, in response to a question from Park Byeong-seok of the Democratic Party of Korea asking, "Do you have any plans to propose a high-level South-North military dialogue first to ease military tensions on the Korean Peninsula?" Minister Kwon stated, "I think it is worth thoroughly considering the part about forming a (South-North military) joint committee and working together to build trust in the military sector going forward," while avoiding a direct answer regarding whether to propose talks first.

The South-North Joint Military Committee is stipulated in the September 19, 2018 Military Agreement but has never been convened due to North Korea's lukewarm attitude.

Regarding this, Representative Park explained, "It is stipulated that the Joint Military Committee can be convened, but since the formation has not reached the final stage, everyone feels the need to ease tensions, so my question was whether it would be possible to propose South-North military talks."

Minister Kwon reaffirmed a fundamental stance, saying, "I will keep your comments in mind and reflect them well in my work."

Additionally, concerning the issue of terminating the September 19 Military Agreement, which has been questioned for its effectiveness due to North Korea's repeated provocations, he dismissed the idea, stating, "There may be various opinions within the ruling party, but the current government is not considering canceling or suspending the September 19 Military Agreement or other inter-Korean agreements made by previous administrations."

Regarding the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, he drew a clear line, saying, "The tactical nuclear deployment is not the government's position," and added, "I want to say that we do not support it."

Foreign Minister Park Jin also expressed opposition to the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, stating, "Strengthening the effectiveness of extended deterrence through close alliance and cooperation between South Korea and the United States is the most important way to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

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