NewKerala.com

Key Points

South Korea and NATO have agreed to set up a defence industry consultative body to strengthen cooperation. President Lee Jae Myung skipped the NATO summit but sent a letter reaffirming commitment to the partnership. The agreement includes potential collaboration on NATO projects and Indo-Pacific security initiatives. The move aligns with broader efforts to enhance defence ties among NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners.

Key Points: South Korea and NATO Agree Defence Industry Partnership

  • South Korea and NATO agree to director-general level defence industry talks
  • President Lee Jae Myung skips NATO summit but reaffirms commitment
  • Indo-Pacific partners pledge deeper defence and supply chain collaboration
  • Consultative body aims to boost joint projects in space and maritime security
2 min read

South Korea, NATO agree to establish consultative body on defence industry

South Korea and NATO establish a defence industry consultative body to enhance cooperation amid global security challenges.

"Wi expressed hope that the Republic of Korea and NATO will actively cooperate in response to complex global challenges. – South Korean Presidential Office"

Seoul, June 26

South Korea and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have agreed to establish a working-level consultative body on defence industry cooperation, said the presidential office on Thursday.

On the sidelines of the NATO summit held in The Hague, an agreement was reached during a meeting between the National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

President Lee Jae Myung's decision not to attend the upcoming summit of NATO risks South Korea missing out on diplomatic and security opportunities, lawmakers with the opposition People Power Party, Yonhap news agency reports.

However, explaining the reason for his absence from this year’s summit, President Lee Jae Myung got a personal letter delivered by Wi, and restated his commitment to deepening the partnership between South Korea and NATO, said the Office in a release.

The Office said, "Wi expressed hope that the Republic of Korea and NATO, which share the values of democracy and peace, will actively cooperate in response to complex global challenges," referring to South Korea by its official name.

Pointing to South Korea's advanced defence capabilities, Wi also highlighted the strong potential for expanded cooperation in the defence industry.

"The two sides agreed to establish a new director-general level South Korea-NATO defence industry consultation body to discuss specific measures to enhance cooperation in the defense sector," it said.

They also agreed to promote defense industry cooperation through South Korea's participation in future NATO projects aimed at strengthening the transatlantic alliance's defence capabilities.

On Wednesday, Wi took part in a separate session with Rutte and representatives from three other Indo-Pacific partners -- Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The participants adopted a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to closer cooperation between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, particularly in practical areas, such as defence, during the session.

The partners also agreed to continue advanced collaboration in securing supply chains, as well as in defence development, production, and procurement, and pledged to work together on joint projects in space and maritime domains, as well as in munitions, according to the statement.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Interesting move by South Korea! With NATO expanding its Indo-Pacific partnerships, India should also explore similar defense collaborations. Our Make in India initiative could benefit from such tie-ups. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While defense partnerships are important, I hope South Korea maintains its independent foreign policy. NATO's expansion into Asia could create unnecessary tensions in our neighborhood. We've seen how China reacts to such moves.
A
Amit S.
South Korea's defense tech is world-class. India should take notes - our DRDO could learn from their public-private partnership model. Maybe invite them for DefExpo next year?
S
Sunita R.
The President skipping the NATO summit seems like a missed opportunity. In diplomacy, showing up matters. India's leaders understand this well - look at how PM Modi makes every international meeting count.
V
Vikram J.
NATO's Indo-Pacific focus is getting stronger. With Japan, Australia, NZ and now SK involved, this could change regional dynamics. India must watch carefully and position itself smartly in this changing landscape.
N
Neha P.
Defense industry cooperation is good, but hope they focus on peace too. South Korea has enough tensions with North Korea already. More weapons don't always mean more security - we know this from our own experience with Pakistan.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50