Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement on cooperation in protecting Korean nationals overseas

Establishment of a hotline, provision of personnel and material support, and deployment of military assets

Including details of cooperation and a framework for cooperation

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik (left) and Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Tae-yul discuss ways to strengthen cooperation to protect Koreans overseas.

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have decided to work together to strengthen the system for the protection of Koreans overseas. The two ministers signed an agreement to strengthen the system at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 22Koreans overseas.

The two ministries have actively cooperated to protect overseas Korean residents in the event of emergencies abroad. Operation Promise in April 2023 is a leading example of such ministerial cooperation.

Since the number of cases of cooperation between the ministries in the event of emergencies overseas has increased, the two ministries felt that it was necessary to establish a system for the protection of Koreans living abroad.

The signing of the agreement is significant in that two government ministries that are responsible for the country's security are working together systematically for the daily safety of Koreans overseas.

The agreement outlines the framework for cooperation between the two ministries for the protection of Koreans in other countries, and details of joint efforts such as the establishment of a hotline between the two ministries, inter-ministerial personnel and material support in responding to overseas incidents, and close mutual cooperation in the event of the deployment of military assets.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik said, “Our military’s mission to protect the lives and security of our people knows no boundaries, and cooperation is not an option but a must for mission accomplishment.”

Minister Shin added: “We will spare no effort to increase our military’s experience and know-how in overseas operations and military networks.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul said, “Since crises often erupt overseas amid the recent escalation of geopolitical tensions and political instability, the collaboration of the two ministries to ensure the safety of our people is more necessary than ever before.”

He added: “We have to evacuate our people from harm’s way from time to time, and in order not to miss the golden hour for safe movement, the two ministries will make a quick decision on whether to deploy military assets, if necessary, and will work closely together in all theaters of operation.”

By strengthening the system of cooperation between the two ministries, this agreement will further enhance the government’s response to ensure the safety of Koreans in the event of incidents overseas.

 By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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