The defense ministry said Monday it will host an annual international security forum this week to discuss efforts to promote peace and cooperation, amid global security uncertainties highlighted by Hamas' recent attack on Israel and Russia's war in Ukraine.
The three-day Seoul Defense Dialogue 2023 is set to kick off Tuesday in Seoul under the theme of "Cooperation and Solidarity for Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity," the ministry said.
It is expected to be attended by some 800 high-level security officials and civil experts from 56 countries, including minister-level officials from Australia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Brunei and Fiji.
The forum includes three key plenary sessions for talks on the international community's response to North Korea's escalating nuclear threats; efforts for a free, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region; and ways for regional and global cooperation in a new security environment.
Four special sessions will also be held to discuss ways to enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, the global defense industry's outlook, the use of artificial intelligence in combat, and the signing of the 1950-53 Korean War's armistice as it marks its 70th anniversary this year.
The annual forum was first launched in 2012 for talks on promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and enhancing regional security cooperation.
Source: Yonhap News Agency