Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense ministers of the two nations met in Seoul

Minister Shin Won Sik explained the superiority of Korea’s weapon systems

The Iraqi defense minister also met with the CEOs of defense companies

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik (right) and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi inspect honor guards before a defense ministerial meeting at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul on March 20.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik met with Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul in the morning of March 20 and discussed strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense and the defense industry.

In particular, the two ministers assessed defense and defense industry cooperation on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the deployment of the Zaytun Unit and the 10th anniversary of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral military cooperation. In addition, they exchanged views on how to expand bilateral cooperation.

Minister Shin noted that military training exchanges, T-50 trainer aircraft exports, and airbase reconstruction projects have helped lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation.

He also explained the excellence of weapon systems developed or in operation by Korea to further expand defense industry exports.

Minister Shin said, "Beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship, I expect this bilateral relationship to develop and deepen into comprehensive defense and defense industry cooperation, including military personnel exchanges, education and training, and follow-up logistic support.”

Minister Al-Abbasi praised the Zaytun Unit's contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq and the development of the Iraqi military. He expressed his hope that bilateral cooperation will be expanded in all areas, including trade and the defense industry.

He said, “Korea’s advanced weapon systems, whose performance and technology have been proven through decades of operation, will strengthen Iraq’s defense capability.”

The two ministers also agreed to further strengthen reciprocal cooperation based on the trust and cooperation built up over 20 years since the deployment of the Zaytun Unit.

Minister Al-Abbasi is scheduled to meet with CEOs of major defense companies involved in cooperation during his visit to Korea.

By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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