NATO Secretary General "Exploring Ways to Strengthen Information Sharing Between NATO and Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stated on the 10th (local time) that NATO is exploring ways to strengthen information sharing with South Korea.

At a press conference during the NATO summit held in Washington DC that day, Secretary General Stoltenberg was asked about the prospects of cooperation between South Korea and NATO. He said, "We are looking into how we can establish better information exchange systems and methods." He added, "Because that will help enhance security for both South Korea and NATO allies."

He also mentioned that regarding the participation of four Asia-Pacific countries?South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand?in this summit, NATO is exploring ways to cooperate with them in defense industry collaboration and joint military exercises.

Secretary General Stoltenberg said, "We are exploring how to cooperate more closely, including expanding defense industry cooperation with South Korea." He noted, "South Korea has an advanced defense industry," and added, "I believe there is huge potential for more cooperation between South Korea and NATO member countries in technology and the cyber domain."

He expressed concern about the consequences North Korea might face for supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia. He said, "The war in Ukraine shows how interconnected our (South Korea and NATO members') security is."

At the NATO Public Forum held subsequently, Stoltenberg warned about China’s continued support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating, "China cannot have both." He said, "China should not believe it can maintain normal relations with NATO allies in North America and Europe while continuing to support the war in Europe, which has become the greatest security challenge to us since World War II."

He emphasized that although NATO will remain a regional alliance limited to North America and Europe, it must cooperate with partners worldwide, including Asia-Pacific countries, to respond to global challenges such as China, terrorism, cyber threats, and space.