Yoon Meets Former Dutch PM Balkenende... "Expecting Expansion of Strategic Cooperation"

Discussion on Cooperation for Climate and Environmental Crisis Response

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands with Jan Pieter Balkenende, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Jan Pieter Balkenende, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, who is visiting South Korea on the 9th, and exchanged views on the bilateral relations between Korea and the Netherlands, cooperation in responding to climate and environmental crises, and international affairs, the presidential office reported.

President Yoon stated, "In overcoming the global complex crisis, cooperation between Korea and the Netherlands, which share universal values, is more important than ever," and requested former Prime Minister Balkenende's role in strengthening cooperation in economic security and supply chain sectors, including the 'semiconductor alliance' between the two countries.

He also emphasized that South Korea is actively participating in the international community's efforts to respond to the climate crisis and continues its efforts toward a low-carbon and eco-friendly green transition.

President Yoon said, "While it is important that the two countries signed the 'semiconductor alliance' and expanded the cooperation platform during the state visit to the Netherlands last December, observing the success of the Dutch global semiconductor company ASML has been a valuable gain in better understanding the openness and creativity of the Dutch people, who integrate technology and culture to advance to the next level."

Former Prime Minister Balkenende said, "Under President Yoon's leadership, the Republic of Korea is expanding its responsible role in the global society," and added, "I hope the two countries will expand mutually beneficial strategic cooperation in various fields based on their strategic partnership." He continued, "I appreciate Korea's international leadership in responding to the climate and environmental crises," and added, "I will strive to support cooperation between Korea and the Netherlands."

President Yoon and former Prime Minister Balkenende agreed to cooperate for the successful hosting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit to be held in The Hague, the Netherlands, in June next year.