South Korean Defense Chief to Visit Indonesia to Rally Support for North Korean Denuclearization

South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo.

Seoul, MINA – Defense Minister Song Young-moo will travel to three Southeast Asian countries next week to rally the region’s support for efforts to denuclearize North Korea, Yonhap reported, citing the defense ministry Thursday.

Song will embark on the trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand on Sunday. The trip will last until Feb. 3, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

In Singapore, Song will deliver a keynote speech at the Fullerton Forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, where he is expected to draw on the urgency of peacefully resolving North Korea’s nuclear and missile possession.

He will also hold talks with the Singapore defense minister, as well as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In Indonesia and Thailand, Song will meet with the countries’ Defense Ministers Ryamizard Ryacudu and Prawit Wongsuwan, who doubles as Thailand’s deputy prime minister, the ministry said.

Song will also pay courtesy visits to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

“His visit to the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will help strengthen international collaboration for the denuclearization of North Korea and improve military cooperation with ASEAN countries,” the ministry noted. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency MINA)