Seoul: South Korea's proposed collaboration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is aimed at enhancing contributions to global peace and stability, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. This comes in response to Russia's recent concerns over what it perceives as increasing military cooperation between South Korea and NATO.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean foreign ministry stated that their engagement with NATO seeks to strengthen capabilities in various sectors, including defense, new technologies, and cybersecurity. This initiative aims to bolster each party's role in promoting international peace and stability. Furthermore, Seoul emphasized its commitment to maintaining communication with Russia to ensure stable bilateral relations and protect its citizens and businesses.
Russia's foreign ministry has voiced displeasure with Seoul's growing military ties with NATO, as reported by Russia's Tass news agency. The Russian side expressed serious concerns over South Korea's alignment with NATO, citing potential threats to Russia's security due to deepening military cooperation.
Moscow contends that South Korea's collaboration with NATO makes it a significant participant in NATO's rearmament efforts, which the alliance has openly linked to preparations for potential conflict with Russia. This statement followed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's participation in the NATO summit in Ankara, marking his first appearance at the annual meeting as one of NATO's four Asia-Pacific partners.
During the summit's defense industry forum, President Lee proposed elevating South Korea-NATO defense cooperation to a new level, termed "Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0." The proposal aims to expand collaboration beyond traditional weapons transactions to include joint research, production, and operations in the defense sector.
South Korea reiterated its commitment to practical diplomacy centered on national interests, while also expressing a willingness to work with the international community. The foreign ministry highlighted the importance of monitoring developments related to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which impact international peace.
Pyongyang and Moscow have publicly reaffirmed their strategic partnership, with North Korea reportedly sending combat troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's efforts in Ukraine, as per Seoul's intelligence agency.