Defense chief, NATO's top commander agree to expand defense cooperation

South Korea's defense chief have agreed with the top commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deepen military cooperation with the US-led alliance, the defense ministry said, Report informs referring to Yonhap.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik held talks with Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, in Seoul to discuss security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to bolster ties with NATO.

During the talks, the two sides evaluated the evolving collaboration in military exercises, cybersecurity, and chemical, biological and radioactive capabilities, and agreed to further step up defense ties under the Individually Tailored Partnership Program, the ministry said in a release.

Signed in July 2023, the bilateral partnership outlines cooperation in 11 areas ranging from antiterrorism and nonproliferation to emerging technologies and cyber defense.

Cavoli underscored the importance of the defense cooperation between South Korea and NATO, and agreed to bolster cooperation between the two sides' military leadership, according to the ministry.

Shin stressed the importance of international coordination on issues on the Korean Peninsula, and asked for NATO's attention and support to deter provocations by North Korea, it said.

Cavoli also met with National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin the same day at the presidential office in central Seoul and held talks on various security issues, according to the office.