Prime Minister Han Meets UK Deputy Prime Minister... Discusses Security Cooperation and FTA Improvement Negotiations

Meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden
Strengthening Cyber, Economic, and Energy Security Cooperation
Yoon Mentions 'Indo-Pacific Strategy'... Agrees to Seek Cooperation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister of South Korea, who is visiting the UK to attend the coronation of King Charles III, met with UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden on the 5th (local time) and pledged to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

On the afternoon of the same day, Prime Minister Han met with Deputy Prime Minister Dowden at the Government Central Hall in London, UK, and held a conversation for about 40 minutes.

The two mentioned the need to enhance cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economic security, nuclear power, and renewable energy, and agreed to pay attention to starting negotiations to improve the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) within this year, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

A government official said in a local briefing, "Deputy Prime Minister Dowden told Prime Minister Han that he hopes to strengthen comprehensive security cooperation with South Korea in cyber security, economic security, and energy security."

In response, Prime Minister Han said, "We want to strengthen cooperation with the UK, a country that shares values such as democracy and the rule of law."

Since leaving the European Union (EU) in January 2020, the UK has been attempting to redefine its diplomatic and security relations under the banner of 'Global Britain.'

In the integrated review reports on security and defense published in 2021 and this year, the UK emphasized cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and designated South Korea as a key partner.

Prime Minister Han and Deputy Prime Minister Dowden shared the view that the two countries should seek cooperation in the region, referring to the UK's Indo-Pacific cooperation initiative and President Yoon Suk-yeol's 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' announced at the end of last year.

Prime Minister Han then explained the Yoon administration's North Korea policy direction, including the 'Bold Initiative,' to Deputy Prime Minister Dowden and requested continued interest and support. The two also agreed to continue joint efforts for a united international response to restore peace in Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.