Leaders emphasize closer coordination on Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula, and defense industry ties
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday to explore ways to expand defense collaboration, the presidential office said. The call, initiated by Rutte, was their second discussion within the past seven months.
According to a written briefing from presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-jun, the two sides reaffirmed their intention to maintain steady cooperation and ongoing communication on international security matters. Rutte likewise highlighted the closer relationship between NATO and South Korea, noting that developments in one region increasingly affect stability in others.
During the call, both sides agreed that security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe has become more interconnected. They said continued coordination between South Korea and NATO is necessary to respond effectively to shared risks.
The leaders pledged to maintain communication on key issues, including the war in Ukraine and security concerns on the Korean Peninsula. The presidential office said they recognized that instability in one region can have broader strategic consequences.
Expanding Defense Industry Cooperation
President Lee highlighted the capabilities of South Korea’s defense sector, noting that Korean companies have already established cooperative frameworks with several NATO member states. He described Seoul as a credible partner with advanced production and technological capacity.
Lee suggested making greater use of the Korea-NATO Defense Industry Consultative Body, a working-level channel created last year, to advance concrete projects. He said the platform could help translate dialogue into more systematic and results-focused cooperation.
Rutte welcomed the proposal and expressed support for deeper cooperation in the defense industry. In remarks following the call, he referred to South Korea as a close NATO partner and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the alliance and Seoul.
Broadening Strategic Engagement
Beyond defense manufacturing ties, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation into additional strategic areas, including space and information sharing. Officials said these areas reflect growing recognition of emerging domains in global security.
The discussion signals a broader effort to institutionalize ties between South Korea and NATO. As geopolitical tensions persist in both Europe and East Asia, Seoul and the alliance appear focused on building more consistent and diversified channels of cooperation rather than limiting engagement to ad hoc exchanges.
