Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

On the morning of June 2 (Sunday), Minister of National Defense Shin Won Sik held a bilateral meeting with EU High Representative Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the 21st Asia Security Summit in Singapore (hereinafter, the “Shangri-La Dialogue). They exchanged views on the security situation and the direction for developing defense cooperation between South Korea and the EU.

Minister Shin and High Representative Borrell evaluated that the “strategic partnership” between South Korea and the EU is deepening under development, as evidenced by the Korea-EU Summit Joint Statement issued during the visit of two EU leaders, the president of the European Council and president of the European Commission, to South Korea last year. They also agreed to produce substantive outcomes in the defense cooperation area.

Representative Borrell emphasized the EU's commitment to contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed his expectation for strengthened cooperation with South Korea. Minister Shin suggested that South Korea and the EU work closely together in the defense sector to build a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

In addition, Minister Shin and High Representative Borrell agreed on active cooperation in the conclusion of the “Security and Defense Partnership” included in the Korea-EU Summit Joint Statement. This document specifies the areas (international peace, maritime security, cyber, etc.) and trajectory of South Korea-EU security and defense cooperation.