S. Korea, NATO agree to launch new defense consultative group

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac was in the Netherlands on behalf of President Lee Jae Myung for talks with NATO members and partners on bolstering defense initiatives.

Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports.

South Korea and NATO are eyeing to step up their defense cooperation.

During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO Summit, South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed to create a new director-general-level defense consultative group.

They also discussed Seoul's potential participation in the defense pact's High Visibility Projects, which are joint initiatives focused on developing key military capabilities, such as aerial refueling systems and ammunition.

Attending the summit on behalf of President Lee Jae Myung, Wi delivered a letter from Lee reaffirming the administration's commitment to strengthening the partnership with NATO.

Rutte welcomed the message, saying both sides were on the same page.

Also on Wednesday, NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, released a joint statement pledging to enhance cooperation in the defense industry based on shared values and strategic interests.

Though President Lee opted not to attend the summit, citing urgent domestic issues and uncertainty in the Middle East, Wi's visit is seen as a clear demonstration of the administration's pragmatic diplomatic strategy.

"We're seeing clear intent to prioritize solidarity with liberal democracies. I believe these decisions show President Lee's commitment to deepening ties with like-minded countries, while also working to improve relations with China, Russia, and even North Korea, within that broader framework."

While in The Hague, Seoul's security chief also met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, where the two agreed on the need to arrange a bilateral summit as soon as possible.

His one-on-ones with Japan's foreign minister, as well as top national security and foreign policy advisers from the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, centered on expanding cooperation.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.