Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Acting Defense Minister meets with Cameroonian Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo

- For the first time with an African nation, an intergovernmental defense cooperation agreement was signed, establishing an institutional foundation for defense and defense industry cooperation.

- Both sides emphasized the importance of a unified and decisive response from the international community to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and agreed to pursue ongoing defense and defense industry collaboration aimed at contributing to regional peace and security.

□ On the afternoon of February 19, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho met with Cameroonian Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo at the Defense Ministry in Seoul to discuss strategies for developing defense and defense industry cooperation between the two nations.

□ Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho emphasized that Cameroon is a key partner in Central Africa and acknowledged the strengthening of bilateral relations in various sectors, including economic development, agriculture, and public health, following the South Korea-Africa Summit in 2024

◦ Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho emphasized that the establishment of the Cameroonian embassy in Korea would further increase bilateral defense cooperation, particularly with the dispatch of military officers, and requested Minister Assomo's attention to this matter.

◦ Additionally, both sides stressed the necessity of a unified and resolute response from the international community to North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile provocations. They also discussed ways to expand defense ties, collaboration on international platforms, and addressing regional circumstances.

□ At the meeting, both countries signed a defense cooperation agreement, Korea’s first such agreement with an African country, to establish an institutional foundation for advancing defense cooperation.

◦ Kim expressed the Defense Ministry’s firm dedication to fostering a close defense relationship with Cameroon with the vision of a “global core country.” Both sides agreed to broaden collaboration in a wider range of areas, starting with initiatives such as military education exchange, to strengthen human networks.

◦ Kim highlighted the advanced capabilities of Korea’s defense industry and weapon systems, including light tactical vehicles and KUH-1 Surion helicopters. The two defense officials agreed to explore opportunities for expanding defense ties, such as Cameroon’s defense information modernization projects, aimed at bolstering Cameroon’s defense capabilities and contributing to regional peace and security in Africa.

◦ In particular, South Korea, as a global leader in information and communications technology, possesses extensive experience and technological expertise in building and operating advanced defense information and communications networks, including military intranet systems, data center operations, and tactical C4I systems. Acting Defense Minister Kim emphasized that this expertise would play a significant role in establishing a stable information system for Cameroon’s defense ministry.

□ Both ministers concurred on maintaining close communication in the ongoing development of bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation. <End>