South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol departs on July 10 to attend the NATO summit, seeking enhanced international security cooperation in the face of increasing threats from North Korea and escalating tension with China, Reuters reports.
Yoon's participation in the annual NATO gathering, commencing on July 11 in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside leaders from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, will be followed by a three-day visit to Poland, starting on July 12, as announced by his office.
Yoon has been advocating for stronger security ties with Europe and other U.S. allies to deter the nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea, while also addressing global challenges such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry.
In 2022, Yoon attended the NATO summit for the first time as the South Korean leader, emphasizing that new conflicts and competitions pose a threat to universal values.
This year, Yoon aims to convey more forceful messages regarding North Korea and enhance cooperation on security, supply chains, and the Ukraine conflict, according to a presidential official.
During the summit, Yoon will engage in bilateral talks with several European and Asia Pacific leaders and sign a new document with NATO to strengthen cooperation in 11 areas, including non-proliferation and cybersecurity.
The official stated, "He will reinforce cooperation with NATO on North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats, and send a united warning that the international community will not tolerate North Korea's illegal activities."
As a U.S. ally and a growing arms exporter, South Korea may face renewed pressure to provide weapons to Ukraine, a move that Yoon's administration has been cautious about due to concerns over Russian influence on North Korea. There have been speculations in the media about Yoon potentially visiting Ukraine during this trip.
However, the official clarified that Yoon has no plans to travel to Ukraine but will emphasize Seoul's commitment to restoring peace in Ukraine and explore aid packages with other countries.
In Poland, Yoon's first visit as president, discussions are expected to revolve around bolstering economic and strategic ties, including arms trade and nuclear energy.
Poland has become a significant destination for South Korean defense exports as it seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. In a landmark arms deal last year, two South Korean companies signed a $5.76 bn contract with Poland for the export of tanks and howitzers.
Choi Sang-mok, senior presidential secretary for economic policy, noted that the visit to Poland will also contribute to reinforcing supply chains, securing new export markets, and expanding cooperation in rebuilding Ukraine.
Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, commented that Yoon's visit to Poland could serve as a message of support for neighboring Ukraine.
"The NATO summit would be a chance to reinforce cooperation with countries that share values and norms," Park stated. "While it remains to be seen whether President Yoon will visit Ukraine, it is important to voice support and solidarity as a country that can directly assist them."
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