Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup meets with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg

Discussion on ways to develop defense cooperation between the ROK and NATO

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg at the Ministry of National Defense to discuss issues of mutual interest, including the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe and ways to develop defense cooperation between the ROK and NATO on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 30.

The two sides reaffirmed that the ROK-NATO relationship has developed into a global partnership with Secretary-General Stoltenberg's visit to Korea, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to NATO in June last year.

Minister Lee expressed appreciation for NATO's sustained interest in and support for the denuclearization of North Korea and the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including its strong condemnation of North Korea's nuclear development and missile provocations in the severe security situation on the Korean Peninsula caused by a series of North Korean missile launches and other provocations.

Explaining the security situation in Europe, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Stoltenberg praised Korea's contribution to European peace and stability with its support for Ukraine.