South Korea discusses defense matters with the Philippines, Turkey, and Finland in meetings.

South Korea is forging ahead with its global defense cooperation efforts, as evidenced by a series of high-level meetings that took place on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue.

Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee held talks with his counterparts from Turkey and Finland, aiming to enhance bilateral defense cooperation and arms industry ties. The meetings with Turkish Defense Minister Musa Heybet and Finnish Defense Minister Esa Pulkkinen marked a significant step forward in South Korea's defense diplomacy.

With Turkey, the discussion focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in the defense and arms industry. Areas of cooperation include military training, intelligence sharing, high-level exchanges, and technology. Lee called for Turkey's support in establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula and achieving the denuclearization of North Korea.

In the case of Finland, the meeting aimed to increase cooperation in defense science and technology and the arms industry. South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers have been exported to Finland since 2017, and the participation of South Korean firms has contributed to strengthening the Philippines' defense capabilities.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Monday, with both parties agreeing to further expand bilateral defense cooperation under the strategic partnership established last year. Ahn thanked the Philippines for participating in the Korean War and for its continued role as a member of the UN Command.

Leading South Korean firms have also taken part in the Philippines' military modernization projects, further cementing the bilateral defense ties.

The South Korean official, who met with Canada's deputy defense minister Stefanie Beck, highlighted the participation of a South Korean firm in Canada's patrol submarine project. The meeting aimed to enhance bilateral arms cooperation, following the South Korean firm's shortlisting for the project.

In a separate development, Finnish Defense Minister Esa Pulkkinen agreed to intensify cooperation in defense science, technology, and the arms industry with his German counterpart during a meeting in 2023. This agreement is expected to bolster Finland's defense capabilities and further solidify its position in the global defense industry.

The meetings between South Korean and foreign defense ministers underscore South Korea's commitment to strengthening its defense ties and contributing to global peace and security. As the world grapples with evolving security challenges, South Korea continues to play an increasingly important role in defense diplomacy and arms cooperation.

South Korea discusses defense matters with the Philippines, Turkey, and Finland in meetings.