Since 2012, the Seoul Defense Dialogue-now in its 14th iteration-has contributed to global multilateral security cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula by gathering high-level defense officials and civilian security experts from various countries and international security organizations for constructive engagement and dialogue.

Today, the international community continues the effort to bring end to the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas armed conflict, while also facing unpredictable security challenges including competition in advanced technologies, cyber attacks, and an arms race in outer space. In this context, cooperation and solidarity of global community to overcome these challenges are more important than ever.

Thus, under the theme of "Confronting Geopolitical Challenges: Building Peace through Cooperation," the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2025 will address a range of current security issues, including security on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader Indo-Pacific region, as well as the non-proliferation regime, the defense industry, and artificial intelligent. In addition, we will also host the Cyber Working Group, which has contributed to the enhancement of international cyber security cooperation in the region, and the Space Security Working Group, which aims to strengthen the defense cooperation in the space domain.

The Seoul Defense Dialogue has been continuously developing as a platform to share viable solutions and visions on global security issues. I would like to ask for your interest and support and sincerely look forward to seeing you this September.

Thank you.