NATO Secretary General arrives in the Republic of Korea

  • 01 Nov. 2017 - 02 Nov. 2017
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  • Last updated: 07 Nov. 2017 12:43

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg began a two-day trip to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday (1 November 2017) for talks on common security challenges and deepening the Alliance’s partnership with Seoul.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Ms Kang Kyung-wha after signing the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme

Meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, the Secretary General praised the Republic of Korea’s contributions to NATO’s mission to Afghanistan and efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. The two also discussed shared concerns over North Korea. Mr. Stoltenberg condemned North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile tests, which he said undermine regional and international security.

Following their meeting, the Secretary General and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha signed a new partnership programme between NATO and the Republic of Korea. This will promote political dialogue and practical cooperation in a number of priority areas, including non-proliferation, cyber defence and counter-terrorism.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr. Stoltenberg visited the National Assembly, meeting with a delegation led by Speaker Chung Sye-Kyun. The Secretary General also laid a wreath at the Seoul National Cemetery in tribute to the thousands of South Koreans who gave their lives in defence of their homeland.