President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea has held a series of bilateral meetings with 13 national leaders during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, to strengthen supply chains in advanced industries and promote green cooperation.
The discussions focused on key sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, and energy, aiming to secure new export markets and foster comprehensive economic cooperation.
One of the key topics of discussion was the investment in a South Korean factory by ASML, a leading semiconductor lithography equipment company based in the Netherlands. President Yoon requested the Prime Minister of the Netherlands for investment in a South Korean ASML plant, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the semiconductor supply chain.
Furthermore, President Yoon emphasized the need for collaboration with countries rich in key minerals, such as rare earths, lithium, and nickel, to enhance the electric vehicle and battery supply chains. Sweden, Portugal, and Finland were highlighted as potential partners in this endeavor.
The meetings also addressed nuclear power, defense, and infrastructure sales, including the Ukraine reconstruction project. President Yoon discussed the excellence of Korean nuclear power plants and proposed cooperation in nuclear power with countries such as the Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia, which have plans to introduce new nuclear power plants.
In addition to these discussions, President Yoon explored opportunities for complementary cooperation with Norway in the field of hydrogen technology, focusing on green hydrogen infrastructure and Korea’s expertise in hydrogen car utilization. The expansion of cooperation in advanced technology joint R&D platforms, such as EUREKA, was also on the agenda.
The bilateral meetings held during the NATO summit aimed to translate cooperative agendas into tangible outcomes through the participation of related ministries and companies. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, cybersecurity, and military information sharing.
The engagement with NATO was further solidified through Korea’s participation in the battlefield information collection and utilization system (BICES). This participation will enhance the sharing of military secrets and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation. It is part of Korea’s broader efforts to establish an International Cyber Training Center and become a global leader in cybersecurity.
President Yoon’s presence at the NATO summit, along with the discussions and agreements reached, highlights South Korea’s commitment to international cooperation, economic growth, and security. By strengthening supply chains, promoting green technologies, and fostering partnerships, South Korea aims to position itself as a leader in advanced industries and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
