President Lee Jae-myung stressed Wednesday that "self-reliant defense is the most important core of integrated national defense."
Speaking at the 59th Central Integrated Defense Council meeting held at Cheongwadae, the presidential residence, Lee said, "National defense is the core responsibility that must not be entrusted to anyone else — we must take complete and ultimate responsibility for it ourselves." He added, "The current international situation is very complex and fluid, and at times like these, a national-level integrated defense system is more important than ever. Today's meeting is a very meaningful occasion where key public officials responsible for the lives and safety of the people have gathered in one place."
Lee continued, "The most important role of a national community is to secure the safety of the community itself — this is what we call national security." He added, "Then there is public order, which maintains safe order within the community, and livelihood issues that enable everyone to live a better life." He emphasized, "All three are important — none can be neglected — but the overriding prerequisite is the issue of security, which is about protecting the community itself."
The president said, "Integrated defense discussions for national security are about effectively utilizing all of the nation's defense capabilities to protect the country and its people." He stated, "Safeguarding the safety and peaceful daily lives of the people under any circumstances, and guaranteeing the perpetuity of the state, is the very reason for the government's existence and the most important core duty given to all of us as public servants."
Lee noted, "Today's international security landscape is becoming more complex than ever." He pointed out, "We must respond vigilantly not only to military threats but also to non-military threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, climate crises and disasters." He stressed, "Civilian, government, military, police, fire services and all other defense elements must be able to respond in unison, as one body, in times of emergency to protect the country and its people. While it is important for each entity to build expertise and capability, establishing an organic cooperative system among them is also critically important."
The president said, "The most important part of national security ultimately comes down to the people's integrated defense capability, and the most important element within that is defense." He added, "No matter what situation we face, we must be able to protect ourselves on our own, without relying on anyone else's help."
Lee also said, "We must be able to defend ourselves without any external support, and we have more than enough capability to do so. This is a time when we must hold firm confidence." He added, "Our people's sovereign government will dramatically strengthen integrated defense capabilities and readiness."