Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense minister meets with UK ambassador in ROK

On July 11, Monday, Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup met with Colin James Crooks, the United Kingdom (UK) ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK) who was newly appointed this February, in the main building of the ministry, and discussed ways to reinforce defense cooperation between the two countries and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe.

Lee offered his assessment of the 「bilateral framework for closer cooperation」 adopted between the two countries on the sidelines of the ROK-UK summit in June, and stressed the need to faithfully implement the bilateral framework even in the area of defense. Crooks agreed with Lee on this point.

Discussing the recent security situation on the Korean Peninsula, Lee called for the UK’s unwavering support for our government’s efforts to denuclearize North Korea and achieve peace on the peninsula.

Lee and Crooks made the assessment that the ROK-US defense strategic dialogue*, slated to be held in July, and the participation of the Black Eagles air display team in the international airshow held in UK** will contribute to enhancing amicable relations between the two countries in the area of defense.