UPDATE - Amid reports of likely nuke test by North, South Korean president calls security situation 'tough'

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS FROM SOUTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTER

ANKARA (AA) – The South Korean president on Wednesday said the security situation in the region is “tough” after reports of North Korea resuming its nuclear program, local media reported.

Speaking during his first meeting with senior presidential secretaries, Yoon Suk-yeol called for close monitoring of the situation.

“The security situation is tough. Foreign countries are worried, and there's talk of a resumption of nuclear tests, so I think you will have to closely monitor the effects not only on security but also on other areas of state affairs in case such a situation arises and make preparations,” Yonhap News Agency quoted Yoon as saying.

Yoon took oath as the new president of the country on Tuesday at a time when South Korea is facing tough economic and security challenges.

His statement came amid growing tensions and reports that the North could move for another nuclear test after numerous missile drills, including an intercontinental ballistic missile this year.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s new defense minister has ordered a “stern and immediate” response in the event of a “direct” North Korean provocation.

Lee Jong-sup, a retired three-star general who assumed office on Wednesday, met with army commanders and discussed the current security situation in the region.

“We have to maintain a solid defense posture in all domains – land, sea and air – so as to proactively respond to security threats from all directions,” Lee was quoted as saying in a Yonhap report.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid