South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will attend the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, from July 7–8, marking a key step in Seoul’s efforts to expand defence cooperation with the Western military alliance and strengthen its position as a global arms exporter.
Lee’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said the president’s primary objective is to deepen defence industry partnerships with NATO member states as global demand for military equipment continues to rise amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Focus on Defence Cooperation
During the visit, Lee is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and participate in a summit with leaders from the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
The South Korean leader will also attend the NATO Defence Industry Forum, where he is expected to deliver a speech highlighting Seoul’s expanding defence capabilities and its commitment to international security cooperation.
Seoul Eyes Growing NATO Defence Market
According to Wi Sung-lac, NATO countries are significantly increasing defence spending while simultaneously seeking to strengthen domestic defence production.
“South Korea, which is not a NATO member, must advance partnerships with NATO based on the alliance’s standards to facilitate exports of defence materials,” Wi said.
South Korea has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing arms exporters, supplying tanks, artillery, fighter aircraft and other defence equipment to countries across Europe and Asia.
Ukraine War Strengthens NATO–Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Seoul believes the war in Ukraine has brought European and Asian security issues closer together.
“The security of Europe is not irrelevant to that of Asia,” Wi said, pointing to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine as evidence of growing links between the two regions’ security environments.
South Korea has steadily expanded cooperation with NATO since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, participating in alliance summits and increasing strategic dialogue with member countries.
More Defence Diplomacy Planned
Wi also revealed that Lee’s office is arranging additional summit meetings with foreign leaders aimed at expanding defence cooperation, although he did not provide further details.
State Visit to Mongolia
Following the NATO summit, Lee will travel to Ulaanbaatar on July 9 for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh.
The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks, issue a joint statement and sign several memorandums of understanding.
South Korea considers Mongolia an increasingly important strategic partner due to its abundant critical mineral resources and its unique diplomatic ties with North Korea, which Seoul believes could contribute to long-term peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee’s back-to-back visits underscore South Korea’s broader strategy of expanding both its global defence footprint and its diplomatic engagement across Europe and Asia.
(with inputs from Reuters)
