President Lee Jae Myung on July 7 gives a keynote speech at the NATO Defense Industry Forum at Ankara Convention Center in Ankara, Turkiye (Turkey). (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Charles Audouin

President Lee Jae Myung on July 7 proposed a new vision for defense industry cooperation with NATO at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Turkiye (Turkey).

In a keynote speech, he said, "Let us elevate our cooperation beyond defense industry cooperation limited to the trade of weapons systems to a 'Korea-NATO defense industry partnership 2.0,' in which we jointly research, produce and operate weapons systems."

In talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Lee also announced the launch of negotiations on a bilateral procurement agreement to set the legal and administrative framework for military and defense industry cooperation and procurement contracts. If concluded, the deal would pave the way for Korean companies to enter NATO's joint procurement market, which is valued at KRW 15 trillion per year.

Seoul will also join NATO's defense raw materials program as an observer. Cheong Wa Dae said this is expected to help broaden opportunities for Korean companies to enter the NATO defense market and create a more stable procurement environment for military supply procurement.

In addition, Korean space companies will join SpaceNet, NATO's cooperative network for partner businesses in the sector, laying the groundwork for information sharing and technological cooperation in NATO-led space projects.

Cheong Wa Dae said, "NATO allies now consider Korea not simply as an Indo-Pacific partner but as a trusted partner capable of strengthening shared security and industrial capabilities."

On the sidelines of the summit, President Lee also held bilateral meetings with the leaders of NATO member states.

He and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to keep raising their comprehensive strategic partnership. They also confirmed opportunities for collaboration in fields like defense and the defense industry, energy and critical minerals and to keep expanding practical cooperation in these areas.

President Lee was slated to hold dialogue on July 8 with the leaders of Norway, the Netherlands and Romania on key issues like cooperation in renewable energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and nuclear power.

caudouin@korea.kr