Delegation of Ambassadors from 31 NATO Countries Visits South Korea, Expected to Discuss Strait of Hormuz and Defense Industry Cooperation

[The Financial News] A delegation made up of ambassadors from 31 countries accredited to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) arrived in South Korea on the 13th. The Asian tour comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled possible changes to the deployment of U.S. forces stationed in NATO member states, South Korea, and Japan following the recent Middle East war, drawing particular attention.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the delegation of ambassadors to NATO visiting South Korea is scheduled to meet on the 14th with Cho Hyun, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ways to enhance practical cooperation between the two sides, including closer defense industry cooperation.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea stated, "The ambassadors visiting South Korea are expected to stay in the country and carry out their schedule until the 15th." The delegation is also expected to visit domestic defense industry sites to review the capabilities of South Korean defense companies.
Jung Yeon-doo, head of the Bureau of Diplomatic Strategy and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, is expected to brief the delegation on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and host a dinner for them. Ambassadors to NATO are the envoys that the 32 NATO member states dispatch to NATO headquarters, and ambassadors from 31 of those countries have joined this visit to South Korea. It is the largest-ever Asian visit by ambassadors accredited to NATO.
During their Asian tour, the NATO ambassadors are also expected to meet with Japanese cabinet members to explore future avenues of cooperation. South Korea and Japan, along with NATO, have been urged by U.S. President Donald Trump to increase defense spending and "play a greater role as allies." In the context of the Iran war, Trump has expressed disappointment with NATO, South Korea, and Japan for their limited support regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and has hinted at possible changes in future alliance relations.
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rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter