Zagreb:National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik has engaged in discussions with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to enhance energy and defense cooperation between South Korea and Croatia.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries, which have been diplomatic partners since 1992. These ties were elevated to a comprehensive, future-oriented partnership in 2023.
During his nine-day tour of Italy, Vatican City, Croatia, and Greece, Cho also met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. In their discussions, Cho underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in the economy, culture, defense, and energy sectors. He highlighted a recent arms supply agreement as a significant step forward.
Last month, South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace secured a contract to export 18 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Croatia. This arms deal, valued at approximately 640 billion won (US$477 million), represents the first major defense agreement between the two nations. It is expected to pave the way for expanded cooperation, including industrial collaboration and military logistics support.
Croatia has become the fourth European nation to procure the Chunmoo system, following Poland, Estonia, and Norway. The system boasts an operational range of up to 80 kilometers and is capable of executing both precision strikes and cluster attacks to effectively neutralize enemy targets over extensive areas.