Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Lee meets with the UK ambassador to the ROK;

Two sides discuss defense cooperation and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe

On July 11, Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop met with Colin James Crooks, the United Kingdom (UK) ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK) who was newly appointed in February, at the main building of the ministry in Yongsan, Seoul, and the two sides discussed ways to develop defense cooperation and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe.

Regarding the ‘bilateral framework for closer cooperation’ adopted between the two countries on the sidelines of the ROK-UK summit in June, Lee stressed the need to “faithfully implement the bilateral framework in the area of defense.”

The two sides agreed to invigorate regular consultative bodies between the defense ministries and armed services of the two countries, citing the fact that the first ROK-UK defense strategic dialogue at the vice minister level will be held in July, in keeping with the bilateral framework.

“Let’s continue the push to beef up the ROK-UK cooperation by expanding practical cooperation in all security areas, including online and in space,” Lee added.

Lee also explained the recent security situation on the Korean Peninsula and called for the UK’s unwavering support for the ROK government’s efforts to denuclearize North Korea and build peace on the peninsula.

In response, Crooks promised that the UK will “continue to provide support to the ROK government’s role to build peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as one of the traditional allies of the ROK and one of permanent members of the UN Security Council,” noting that he had experienced the political and security situation in North Korea while working as the UK ambassador to North Korea.

Crooks also expressed his gratitude for the ROK’s contribution as a responsible member of the international community by joining the move to support Ukraine in the Ukraine crisis.

Crooks expressed his expectation that the ROK-UK defense strategic dialogue, slated to be held in July, and the Black Eagles air display team’s participation in the international airshow held in the UK will contribute to increasing amicable relations between the two countries in the area of defense.

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

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