Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Seoul Defense Dialogue at a hotel in Seoul on Tuesday. (Yonhap) Dialogue backed by deterrence: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back called for renewed US-North Korea talks, saying Seoul’s military would support diplomacy with strong readiness and deterrence.Trump-Kim hopes: Ahn said he hopes US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can meet again, arguing renewed talks could affect both the Korean Peninsula and global security.Inter-Korean talks next: Ahn said US-North Korea dialogue should eventually pave the way for renewed talks between Seoul and Pyongyang, despite North Korea’s moves to sever ties with the South.Peace gestures continue: Seoul has dismantled border loudspeakers and is preparing to resume remains recovery work near White Horse Hill as part of efforts to reduce tensions.‘Stable deterrence’ urged: Ahn warned that deterrence without dialogue is dangerous, while dialogue without deterrence is vulnerable, calling for a balance of military strength and engagement.Global security forum: The Seoul Defense Dialogue brought together about 1,000 officials and experts from 67 countries and international organizations for talks on regional security and coexistence.Japan minister absent: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi skipped the forum after his Aug. 15 visit to Yasukuni Shrine, despite otherwise expanding defense exchanges between Seoul and Tokyo.