Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

20th Asian Security Conference features Korea-EU ministerial meeting

On the afternoon of June 3 (Saturday), Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup had a bilateral meeting with Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the 20th Asian Security Conference, also known as Shangri-La Dialogue, held in Singapore. They exchanged views on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region and ways to develop Korea-EU defense and security cooperation.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Korea-EU diplomatic relations, Minister Lee and High Representative Borrell agreed to further develop defense and security cooperation that was discussed during the Korea-EU Summit in May.

They assessed that Korea’s Cheonghae Unit has made a substantial contribution to the Korea-EU maritime security cooperation through its participation in Operation ATLANTA, which is an EU counter-piracy operation. They agreed to strengthen Korea-EU defense and security cooperation in various areas, including maritime security.

Minister Lee explained the latest security situation on the Korean Peninsula including North Korea’s advanced nuclear and missile threats and asked for the continued cooperation of the EU, which shares the universal values of deterring North Korea’s treats and building peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The two ministers exchanged views on major regional security issues, including the war in Ukraine, and promised to continue fostering cooperation within the framework of the Korea-EU Indo-Pacific strategy.