Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Lee Jong-sup held a meeting with ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean countries in Korea

Outlined progress made in North Korea's denuclearization and the commitment to ROK/US extended deterrence

Engaged in discussions regarding collaborative measures to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region

Appealed for backing and attention to Korea's endeavors in hosting the World Expo in Busan

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup engaged in discussions with GRULAC ambassadors on the 8th. Image courtesy of the Ministry of National Defense.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup attended a meeting organized by the Ambassadors of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) countries to Korea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul on May 8. The discussions centered around defense and defense industry cooperation between Korea and GRULAC countries, as well as the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Notably, this marks the first meeting between a defense minister and ambassadors from GRULAC countries in Korea.

During the meeting, Minister Lee highlighted the longstanding defense cooperation between Korea and GRULAC countries, which has encompassed exchanges of high-ranking officials, military branches, educational initiatives, and defense industry collaboration over the past sixty years.

Minister Lee stressed the significance of Latin America and the Caribbean as a crucial region for implementing the Indo-Pacific strategy and expanding the horizons of defense and diplomacy for the Korean government. Enhancing defense cooperation between Korea and Latin America will contribute to fostering freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Minister Lee further expressed Korea's commitment to advancing defense and defense industry cooperation in Latin America. This includes establishing a solid institutional foundation for collaboration, promoting regular exchanges of defense ministry officials and military high-ranking officers, and expanding the existing areas of cooperation. Minister Lee emphasized the important role of GRULAC ambassadors in facilitating the development of defense and defense industry cooperation as they serve as a crucial bridge between Korea and Latin America.

In addition, Minister Lee emphasized the seriousness of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula in light of North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile provocations. He discussed the government's initiatives, such as the Audacious Initiative and the extended deterrence provided by the ROK/US alliance, to address further provocations and work towards the denuclearization of North Korea. Minister Lee also shared information about Korea's comprehensive efforts across various government agencies to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, seeking the support and interest of Central American countries in these endeavors.

The GRULAC ambassadors in Korea expressed their appreciation for the Korean defense ministry's initiatives in advancing defense cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries. They assured their strong support for the development of defense and defense industry cooperation between Korea and Latin American countries.

Along with addressing the security of the Korean Peninsula, both sides engaged in discussions on cooperative measures to tackle security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, which are of mutual concern to Korea and GRULAC. These challenges encompass issues such as geopolitical competition, cyber threats, terrorism, and climate change.

The GRULAC Ambassadors in Korea meeting is a gathering of ambassadors representing Latin American and Caribbean countries. The meeting was attended by ambassadors from 16 countries, including Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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