S. Korea, NATO Sign Key Defense Industry Cooperation Pact

(MENAFN) South Korea and NATO have agreed to form a dedicated consultative body aimed at enhancing defense industry cooperation, according to a report from media on Thursday.

The agreement was finalized during a meeting between South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance’s summit in The Hague. This step marks a significant boost to bilateral defense relations, as confirmed by a statement from the South Korean presidential office.

"The two sides agreed to establish a new director-general level South Korea-NATO defense industry consultation body to discuss specific measures to enhance cooperation in the defense sector," the statement read.

Both parties also expressed intent to promote deeper defense industry collaboration through South Korea’s involvement in future NATO initiatives designed to bolster the alliance’s defense capabilities.

Wi emphasized the growing potential for stronger cooperation, highlighting South Korea's advanced defense technologies and capabilities as key assets.

In a separate session on Wednesday, Wi met with Rutte alongside representatives from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where they endorsed a joint statement reinforcing NATO’s commitment to its Indo-Pacific partnerships. The declaration focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as defense, supply chain security, and joint technological development.

The group committed to ongoing efforts in joint projects, including advancements in space, maritime security, and munitions production.

This development signals a strengthening of NATO’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of transnational collaboration on defense and security issues.

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