PUAC Holds Inter-Korean Relations Expert Discussion on the 70th 

Anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Alliance

The PUAC held the ‘34th Inter-Korean Relations Expert Discussion on the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Alliance: A New Leap Toward a 'Nuclear-Free, Peaceful and Prosperous Korean Peninsula' on July 27 at the press conference room on the 19th floor of the Korea Press Center.

The forum was co-hosted with the Research Institute for National Security Affairs of the Korea National Defense University to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Alliance. It drew about 130 people, including PUAC members and the general public.

▶ View of the Expert Discussion

In his opening remarks, PUAC Secretary General Seok Dong-hyeon said, "Today marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement. The alliance saved the country, and I hope that discussions made today on the occasion of the alliance’s 70th anniversary will be shared well by you all.”

▶ Opening remarks by PUAC Secretary General Seok Dong-hyeon

In his opening remarks, Park Young-joon, director of the Research Institute for National Security Affairs at the Korea National Defense University, said, "It is very meaningful to look over the direction of North Korea policy and discuss security policies such as the ROK-U.S. alliance with the PUAC, which is a constitutional body. Both the two organizations may well strive to fulfill their missions."

▶ Opening remarks by Park Young-joon, Director of the Research Institute for 

National Security Affairs, Korea National Defense University

In his congratulatory remarks, Kim Hong-seok, President of the Korea National Defense University, said, "I feel the contrasting feelings of joyfulness and sadness over the double 70th anniversaries contained in today's theme. While the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance is joyful, that of the Armistice Agreement makes me feel sad, and I hope that today's discussion will be the priming water for overcoming the security uncertainties of the Republic of Korea and brining peace and prosperity to the Korean Peninsula.”

▶ Congratulatory remarks by Kim Hong-seok, President of the Korea National Defense University

In his keynote speech, PUAC Executive Vice-chairperson Kim Kwan-yong said, "The ROK-U.S. alliance has evolved from a security alliance to an economic alliance and to a global comprehensive strategic alliance. Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement, and we gathered here to share concern for our country and look out for the world. I hope you will pool the wisdom for another 70 years and a new leap forward for the Korean Peninsula."

▶ Keynote speech by PUAC Executive Vice-chairperson Kim Kwan-yong

The opening ceremony was followed by discussions. The first session was moderated by Professor Cho Yoon-young of Chung-Ang University under the theme of "The 70th Anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the Future Vision for a Nuclear-Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Korean Peninsula."

▶ Session 1: Presenters and panelists 

(from left: Professor Hwang Ji-hwan, the University Seoul; Professor Ahn Kyung-mo, Korea National Defense University; Professor Sohn Kyung-ho, Korea National Defense University; Professor Cho Yoon-young, Chung-Ang University; Professor Do Kyung-ok, Chungnam National University; Lee Kyu-chang, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification; and Lee Ho-ryeong, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for Defense Analyses.

The second session was moderated by Park Young-joon, Director of the Research Institute for National Security Affairs at the Korea National Defense University, under the theme of "The 70th Anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and International Cooperation for a 'Nuclear-Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Korean Peninsula.”

▶Session 2: Presenters and panelists 

(from left: Park Byung-kwang, senior research fellow, Institute for National Security Strategy; Professor Kim Jae-chun, Sogang University; Cha Doo-hyun, senior research fellow, Asan Institute for Policy Studies; Park Young-joon, director, Research Institute for National Security Affairs; Chung Sung-yoon, research fellow, the Korea Institute for National Unification; Professor Yoo Sang-beom, Korea National Defense University; Professor Choi Woo-sun, Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

The audience agreed that the forum, organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the ROK-U.S. Alliance. was meaningful and that efforts by all parties are needed to brighten the future and ensure a new leap forward for the Korean Peninsula.

      ▶ Photo session for honored guests and forum participants