Korea-UK High-Level Diplomatic and Security Meeting Held... Deputy Minister-Level Hotline Established

South Korea and the United Kingdom have agreed to establish a high-level hotline in the field of diplomatic security.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that this morning in Seoul, Cho Gurae, Director of the Foreign Policy and Strategic Information Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Jonathan Allen, Director General of the Defense and Intelligence Directorate of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, who is visiting Korea, held a high-level Korea-UK meeting.

(From left) Jo Gurae, Director of the Foreign Policy and Strategy Information Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Jonathan Allen, Director General of Defence and Intelligence at the UK Foreign Office, are having a Korea-UK high-level meeting in Seoul on the 23rd and taking a commemorative photo. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During the meeting, both sides candidly exchanged views on major strategic and security issues including ▲ the war in Ukraine ▲ Russia-North Korea military cooperation ▲ arms control and disarmament ▲ diplomatic intelligence cooperation, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation to safeguard regional security and peace.

Director Cho recalled that the bilateral relationship was elevated to a "global strategic partnership" following the 'Downing Street Agreement' in November 2023, stating, "This visit by Director General Allen holds special significance as both sides prepare concrete implementation plans and cooperation frameworks to realize this." He emphasized, "In the uncertain security environment marked by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's troop deployments, it is necessary to strengthen strategic communication between the foreign ministries of the two countries to enhance solidarity with the UK, a key ally."

In response, Director General Allen said, "Through the meeting with South Korea, a key security partner, we have gained a deeper understanding of the various security threats jointly faced by both countries," adding, "I hope we can establish an institutionalized channel for frequent communication."

Both sides agreed to establish a 'high-level rapid hotline' between the Director of the Foreign Policy and Strategic Information Bureau of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Director General of the Defense and Intelligence Directorate of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The hotline will contribute to the two foreign ministries swiftly and efficiently assessing situations and devising effective responses to various urgent issues in the international community," and added, "We will continue to strengthen strategic communication at the high-level going forward."