On July 3, President Lee Jae Myung held his first phone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between South Korea and NATO.
Kang Yoo Jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, made this announcement during a briefing at the Yongsan presidential office. According to Kang, Secretary General Rutte congratulated President Lee and expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment to cooperation shown by the South Korean government by sending National Security Advisor Wi Sung Rak to the NATO Summit. The NATO Summit was held in The Hague, Netherlands, starting on June 24. President Lee did not attend due to domestic issues and the situation in the Middle East, and Advisor Wi attended on his behalf.
President Lee congratulated Secretary General Rutte on the successful hosting of the NATO Summit and stated, "Our government will continue its efforts to deepen the partnership between South Korea and NATO in the face of multi-layered global and complex crises."
Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry sector. They discussed specific measures for South Korea's participation in NATO's next-generation joint development and procurement program, known as the "High Visibility Project," and agreed to maintain close communication in responding to regional and global security challenges.
Secretary General Rutte said, "As an honorary citizen of Seoul, I wish President Lee every success in his administration," and expressed hope to meet in person at a mutually convenient time to exchange views. Secretary General Rutte received honorary citizenship from the city of Seoul in 2016 when he was Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
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