LOC13:29
10:29 GMT
TOKYO, July 25 (KUNA) -- South Korea's new Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday vowed to strengthen a defense cooperation network based on the South Korea-US alliance, which he called a "linchpin" of the country's security, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Ahn said in his inaugural address, "I will continuously expand cooperation so the South Korea-US alliance, as a 'global comprehensive strategic alliance,' will develop in a direction that corresponds with national interest," he said.
Ahn made the remark after President Lee Jae Myung approved his appointment earlier in the day.
He called on the military to strictly adhere to political neutrality and focus on its duty of protecting the people from external threats, mentioning North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats, and growing uncertainties in the global security situation.
At the same time, Ahn vowed to militarily support efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, pledging to leave doors open for dialogue while strengthening deterrence.
About 28,500 US soldiers are stationed in South Korea to deter and counter potential threats from North Korea. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. (end)
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