Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

While visiting Romania, Defense Minister Shin Won Sik called on Romanian Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Ciolacu on the afternoon of June 19 and exchanged views on ways to develop the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Shin mentioned that the Korea-Romania summit in April agreed on bilateral strategic cooperation in three areas, nuclear energy, the defense industry and infrastructure. He expressed his appreciation for the Romanian government's final decision to purchase K9 self-propelled howitzers from Korea, which marks a new milestone in defense and defense industry cooperation.

Prime Minister Ciolacu said that with the purchase of the K9 self-propelled howitzers as an impetus, Romania expects to develop cooperation with South Korea, and he expressed particular interest in the local production of weapons.

Minister Shin said that localized weapons production is closely related to a strong military and industrial development, and that the development of Korea's defense industry is due to its continued efforts to achieve an independent national defense capability.

He said, “Korea is very active in the transfer of weapon system technology. The transfer and local production of the weapon system will help Romania and also provide Korea with an opportunity to enter the global defense industry market. I look forward to entering the world with the joint products of the two countries.”

Prime Minister Ciolacu unveiled a plan to develop the port of Constanța on the Black Sea coast and expressed his desire to make the Korean port of Busan and the Romanian port of Constanța a logistical hub between East and West.

Minister Shin Won Sik replied: “I understand that Romania calls close cooperation between the United States, NATO and the EU the “Golden Triangle” and considers it the fulcrum of its diplomatic and security policy, and I propose that we can establish a New Golden Triangle connecting Busan, Constanța, and the Danube, through which both countries can advance towards Europe together.” Prime Minister Ciolacu said it was a very good idea.

Minister Shin told the prime minister that he had a constructive discussion with Defense Minister Tîlvăr on the follow-up to the bilateral summit, and sought his keen interest and support, and the prime minister suggested that both countries make further progress in strategic cooperation on the basis of the bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed in April.