President Lee meets with NATO Secretary General... emphasizes strong development of Korea-NATO relations

President Lee Jaemyung began his first official schedule on the 7th by meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Turkey, local time. This meeting took place alongside the President’s first attendance at a NATO summit since taking office. Secretary General Rutte said that the relationship between South Korea and NATO is continuing to develop and expressed his gratitude for the President’s attendance. The two had previously discussed directions for cooperation through two phone calls, and this meeting is expected to focus on more concrete ways of cooperating. At this NATO summit, defense industry cooperation is being treated as a key agenda item. The South Korean government is paying attention to the potential for expanding defense exports and strengthening technological cooperation based on collaboration with NATO member states. President Lee is also scheduled to attend a smallgroup meeting with leaders of IndoPacific partner countries and the NATO Defense Industry Forum afterward.