![President Lee Jae-myung engaged in a strategic phone call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on the 10th to discuss expanding cooperation between South Korea and the alliance. [Image courtesy of the Blue House]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/02/CP-2023-0320/image-1d650327-8628-44b0-a0b3-5a402844b06d.jpeg)
Blue House spokesperson Kim Nam-jun reported that the call, initiated at Stoltenberg’s request, took place seven months after their initial conversation last July.
Both leaders acknowledged the critical need for sustained collaboration between South Korea and NATO in addressing global security challenges, particularly as the security landscapes of the Indo-Pacific and Europe become increasingly intertwined.
President Lee highlighted South Korea’s role as a key partner in fostering defense cooperation with several NATO member states, leveraging its advanced defense industry capabilities. He proposed, “Let’s advance substantive cooperation through the Korea-NATO Defense Consultative Group established last year.”
Secretary General Stoltenberg commended South Korea’s robust defense capabilities, affirming, “We will continue to support the strengthening of our partnership.”
Spokesperson Kim indicated that both parties are committed to deepening South Korea-NATO relations across various domains, including defense, space technology, and intelligence sharing.
Most Commented