SEOUL — Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun of South Korea met virtually with British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds to discuss enhancements to bilateral economic cooperation, focusing on areas such as technology and investment, amidst global geopolitical challenges.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Industry and Energy, the meeting agenda included discussions on improving the existing bilateral free trade agreement to better serve both nations' economic interests. "South Korea and Britain are partners that share key values, such as free democracy and the market system, and have maintained solid economic cooperation," Minister Ahn remarked during the session.
The ministers acknowledged the robust economic ties facilitated by active investments and technological cooperation, particularly in cutting-edge industries. Minister Ahn highlighted the increasing importance of economic security, exacerbated by global events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the need for reliable partnerships.
Furthermore, Minister Ahn expressed a commitment to building on the foundations laid by the Downing Street Accord, a significant bilateral agreement signed during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Britain in November 2023, aiming to further develop a comprehensive relationship between the two nations.