By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, and expressed appreciation for NATO’s commitment to security on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region on September 9. Minister Ahn expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the international security environment. He assessed that the connectivity of security between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is increasing and emphasized the importance of cooperation with NATO. Chair Dragone agreed with Minister Ahn and expressed hope that su
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek met with Commander Samuel J. Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan on September 14, 2025, and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to develop the ROK-U.S. alliance. Minister Ahn acknowledged that the Indo-Pacific Command plays a pivotal role in safeguarding not only the security of the Korean Peninsula but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the Command's importance is particularly significant as it
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited the Marine Corps Special Reconnaissance Battalion on Aug. 27, emphasizing that training should be rigorous and practical to develop conditioned reflexes through realistic exercises. Defense Minister Ahn visited the Marine Corps Special Reconnaissance Battalion and a small unit under the 2nd Marine Division, where he inspected their readiness posture and encouraged soldiers engaged in security operations. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back became the first defense minister to visit Maldo Island, a front-line island on the West Se
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with members of the US House of Representatives visiting Korea and emphasized the importance of strong congressional support for the development of the ROK-US Alliance. On the afternoon of August 14, Minister Ahn met with Representatives Richard McCormick and Beth Van Duyne of the US House of Representatives at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to discuss ways to further develop the ROK-US Alliance and address security circumstances on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Ahn stated, “As a member of the National Defense Comm
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back met with US Senator Tammy Duckworth at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 18 and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and explored ways to further strengthen the ROK-US Alliance. Minister Ahn emphasized that strong support from the US Congress is essential to the continued development of the ROK-US Alliance. He also called for sustained congressional attention to further strengthen the combined defense posture and enhance extended deterrence. Minister Ahn expressed gratitud
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz of Poland in Gliwice, Poland, on Aug. 1 (local time), and discussed in-depth ways to strengthen defense and arms industry cooperation between the two countries. Minister Ahn stated, "I find it meaningful to visit Poland as my first overseas visit since taking office. Poland is a strategic partner of the Republic of Korea, and I highly value the ongoing cooperation between our two countries in various industries, including the