South Korea is trying to bolster its ties with the US-led bloc, citing the “unpredictable” worldwide safety scenario
South Korea is planning to arrange a mission to NATO headquarters in Europe, the nation’s Nationwide Safety Adviser Kim Sung-han revealed Wednesday. Seoul, a long-time shut ally of Washington, is looking for to bolster its cooperation with the US-led bloc within the face of an “unpredictable” worldwide scenario, the official defined.
“By establishing a NATO mission in Brussels, Belgium, the place NATO is headquartered, we can enhance information-sharing and strengthen our networks with NATO members and companion nations,” Kim said throughout a information convention.
The brand new mission is predicted to be headed by South Korea’s envoy to Belgium, Yoon Soongu, native media reported, citing unnamed presidential officers. It was not instantly clear whether or not he would retain his present posts, because the envoy additionally doubles because the ambassador to the European Union.
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Japanese PM to attend NATO summit for the primary time
The nation’s President Yoon Suk-yeol is predicted to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Madrid, scheduled for June 29-30, with the occasion turning into the primary main worldwide go to for the official, who took workplace on Could 10. It’s additionally the primary time ever for a South Korean president to attend a NATO summit.
Other than the South Korean chief, the NATO assembly is predicted to host different Asia-Pacific leaders for the primary time. Whereas anticipated to revolve primarily across the ongoing battle between Ukraine and Russia, the summit will even deal with the “challenges” posed by China, NATO Secretary Basic Jens Stoltenberg revealed.
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“For the primary time, we are going to deal with China and the challenges it poses to our pursuits, safety and values,” Stoltenberg advised Politico in an interview printed Wednesday.
“On this context, I welcome that the leaders of our Asia-Pacific companions – Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea – will participate in our Summit for the primary time,” the NATO boss added.
