PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

President Yoon Suk Yeol (first from right in sitting row) on July 12 attends the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was attending the annual NATO summit of member and partner countries, on July 12 said, "In this hyperconnected era, the security of Europe and Asia cannot be separated," adding, "We will also expand mutual sharing of military intelligence with NATO."

In a speech at the summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, he said, "Using this summit as an opportunity, Korea signed the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO and decided on systematic cooperation in 11 sectors including nonproliferation, cybersecurity and emerging technologies."

"In its 2022 strategy document, NATO affirmed the close links between the security of the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions and emphasized the need for mutual partnership for a rules-based international order," he added. "The Republic of Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy also stipulates NATO as an important partner."

President Yoon said, "Korea last year became the first Asian country to join the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and participates in the large-scale cyber exercise Locked Shields," and added "As a leading cybersecurity country in the Indo-Pacific region, we will further stimulate cybersecurity cooperation with NATO by opening an international cyber training center."

On the war in Ukraine, President Yoon stressed the solidarity of the international community.

"The Republic of Korea government this year will provide humanitarian assistance like minesweeping equipment and emergency medical evacuation vehicles and take part in NATO's Ukraine Trust Funds to strengthen Ukraine's resilience," he said. "We pledge to stand with you until the day when the freedom of the Ukrainian people is fully restored."

korea.net