August 2023

Korea has been seeking greater security ties with Europe and other U.S. allies to deter security threats, especially North Korea¡¯s nuclear and missile programs, while raising its contributions to global challenges, including Russia¡¯s invasion of Ukraine.
The fact that President Yoon Suk Yeol took part in the annual NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) gathering for the second consecutive year underscores his push to deepen security ties with the world¡¯s biggest military alliance.

United Response

Yoon used his participation in this year¡¯s NATO summit to call for a ¡°united response¡± to escalating security threats. ¡°In this ultra-connected era, the security of Europe and Asia cannot be separated,¡± Yoon said, noting that both South Korea and NATO define each other as an important security partner.
On the battle in Ukraine, which was front and center in the discussions, the president stressed the solidarity of the international community. He promised that Korea as a member of the international community will continue to provide Ukraine with humanitarian assistance like demining equipment and emergency medical evacuation vehicles. Korea will also participate in NATO¡¯s Ukraine Trust Funds to strengthen Ukraine¡¯s resilience. ¡°We pledge to stand with you until the day when the freedom of the Ukrainian people is fully restored.¡± Yoon said.
On top of the Ukraine issue, the president stressed that North Korea¡¯s belligerent behavior also poses an actual threat to European countries, calling for ¡°NATO¡¯s united response to this threat in a single voice.¡± NATO allies adopted the Vilnius Communique condemning the North¡¯s nuclear and missile programs which serves as a grave warning that the international community will no longer tolerate the North¡¯s ¡°illegal behavior.¡±

Korea, Poland Redouble Efforts

Yoon¡¯s push for security ties with Europe continued in his next stop, Poland. The importance of the relations between Seoul and Warsaw has increased significantly following Russia¡¯s invasion of Ukraine, which shares its Western border with Poland.
Both presidents agreed on cooperation in the future rebuilding of Ukraine, given Warsaw¡¯s geopolitical advantage of supporting the war-torn country. Both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that details how both countries will cooperate in the fields of land, city and infrastructure to assist in reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
Poland also agreed to buy some USD 17 billion worth of advanced military equipment from Korea, larger than last year¡¯s USD 13.7 billion arms deal. The new purchase is meant to upgrade Warsaw¡¯s defense potential and fill in for the older equipment that it has offered to Ukraine.

Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative

Following the Korea-Poland summit, Yoon made a surprise trip to Ukraine, sending a strong signal of support for the war-torn country against Russia.
Yoon and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a comprehensive package of security, humanitarian and reconstruction assistance that will include larger military supplies in scope than last year¡¯s and the effective implementation of USD 150 million worth of humanitarian aid, up from last year¡¯s USD 100 million.
The two leaders agreed to cooperate on post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine using a USD 100 million fund set aside by Korea. Seoul will also launch a scholarship fund named after Yoon and Zelenskyy to expand support for Ukrainian students in Korea.
¡°South Korea will be a partner in Ukraine¡¯s construction of freedom, peace and prosperity and furthermore be a reliable partner contributing jointly with Ukraine to freedom, peace and prosperity in the world.¡± Yoon said.

News Ticker