'Relationship Upgrade' Korea-US Diplomatic Strategic Dialogue... North Korea Troop Dispatch Issue Also Expected to Be Addressed

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The foreign ministers of South Korea and the United Kingdom, who have elevated bilateral relations to the highest level, will meet in Seoul.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 21st, Minister Cho Tae-yeol will hold the '9th Korea-UK Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue' with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is visiting Korea on the same day. Previously, President Yoon Suk-yeol made a state visit to the UK in November last year and upgraded bilateral relations to a 'Global Strategic Partnership.' Excluding the sole ally, the United States, this is considered the highest level of cooperation without a military alliance.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who are on a state visit to the United Kingdom in November 2023, are taking a commemorative photo with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace in London before the state banquet. [Image source=Yonhap News]

At that time, the two countries adopted the 'Downing Agreement,' which includes future cooperation directions, and agreed to promote new cooperation in three areas: security, economy, and a sustainable future.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We plan to discuss bilateral cooperation measures and regional and international situations in various fields such as diplomacy, security, and economy, focusing on the main contents of the Korea-UK Downing Agreement."

The issue of North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia is also expected to be addressed significantly. The UK is one of the leading countries supporting Ukraine. In a statement on the 19th, Foreign Secretary Lammy expressed concern over the close ties between North Korea and Russia and stated his intention to strengthen security cooperation with South Korea. He criticized, "North Korea is sustaining conflicts in Europe by supporting Russia and threatening regional security with illegal weapons of mass destruction."

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