68 countries to join Seoul Defense Dialogue next week

Panelists talk during the Seoul Defense Dialogue held at a hotel in southern Seoul in this file photo taken in September 2024 Courtesy of the Ministry of Defense — Panelists talk during the Seoul Defense Dialogue held at a hotel in southern Seoul in this file photo taken in September 2024. Courtesy of the Ministry of Defense

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - The defense ministry will host the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) in central Seoul from Monday to Wednesday, bringing together senior officials from around the world.

Launched in 2012, the annual forum is designed to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen regional security cooperation. This year, more than 1,000 participants from 68 countries and international organizations are expected to attend, according to the ministry.

Defense ministers from Japan, South Africa, Mongolia, Croatia and the Philippines will join vice defense ministers from eight countries and the chairman of NATO’s military committee as panelists in key sessions. Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani will visit Seoul for the first time in a decade and is set to hold talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek.

Participants are expected to discuss pressing global security issues, including ways to ease military tensions, restore strategic stability and build future security capabilities.

"The SDD is a platform for the international community to strengthen cooperation and pursue common goals for peace and stability," a ministry official said. "It will also help South Korea enhance its role as a responsible member of the global community."

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com