Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik talked with his Thai counterpart Sutin Klungsang in Seoul

They assessed the export of T-50 trainer aircraft to Thailand

They also examined the possibility of Korea’s participation in a military modernization project in Thailand

On the morning of March 28, Defense Minister Shin Won Sik (left) shakes hands with Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang before a defense ministerial meeting at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul.

On the morning of March 28, Defense Minister Shin Won Sik met with his Thai counterpart Sutin Klungsang at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul to discuss increased defense and defense industry cooperation.

The two ministers positively assessed the achievements in bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation, built upon South Korea’s participation in the Cobra Gold exercise and the export of T-50 supersonic advanced trainer crafts and frigates. They also exchanged views on ways to expand this cooperation.

Minister Shin expressed appreciation to the Thai government and military, which have continuously contributed to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as one of the United Nations Command Members and countries that sent troops during the Korean War. In particular, he extended his gratitude for the attendance of high-ranking Thai officials in the first ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting last year. He also invited Minister Sutin to this year’s meeting.

Minister Shin highlighted the superiority of various weapon systems being developed by Korea, aiming to enhance bilateral defense industry cooperation. He expressed his intention to establish a reciprocal relationship in defense industry cooperation with Thailand, stating, “Korea hopes to participate in Thailand’s ongoing military modernization project.”

Minister Sutin said, “Korean weapon systems, including T-50 and frigates, exported to Thailand have played an important role in the territorial defense of Thailand.”

He added, “During this visit to Korea, I will confirm the excellence of the Korean defense industry by visiting Korea’s major defense companies, through which I will seek the possibility of further defense industry cooperation.”

The two ministers agreed to have close communication to foster reciprocal collaboration such as defense industry cooperation, based on a longstanding bilateral relationship that has lasted since Thailand sent troops in the Korean War.

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

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