The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Cho Tae-yul held the first-ever EU-ROK Strategic Dialogue in Seoul on 4 November.

During the dialogue High Representative Borrell and Foreign Minister Cho announced the EU-ROK Security and Defence Partnership, which constitutes a joint non-binding political framework for reinforced cooperation (NBI). This new political framework for enhanced cooperation on security and defence will streamline and further strengthen dialogue and cooperation on key areas such as maritime security and operational cooperation, space security and defence, cyber issues, countering hybrid threats and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), counter terrorism, training and education, non-proliferation and disarmament. The agreement underlines the strategic importance of strengthening our joint capacity to address growing and complex security challenges.

In their discussions, High Representative Borrell and Foreign Minister Cho reaffirmed their unwavering joint commitment to peace, stability and prosperity, grounded in shared values and common interests. They highlighted the importance of closer collaboration on regional and global security, with particular focus on the interconnected security environments of Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

The High Representative and the Foreign Minister reiterated their unwavering commitment to maintaining support to Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s war of aggression, and their condemnation of third-country support to Russia’s illegal war of aggression. They also shared their joint grave concerns over Russia’s military cooperation with the DPRK notably the deployment of DPRK troops to participate in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and arms transfers between the DPRK and Russia, which flagrantly violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, as well as over Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The High Representative and the Foreign Minister also shared serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea. They expressed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion and increase tensions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. Both reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

High Representative Borrell and Foreign Minister Cho expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East. They called for an immediate ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border and in Gaza, as well as for the release of all hostages and unhindered humanitarian access. They stressed the need for a renewed focus on a two-state solution, and the protection of civilians and peacekeepers in conflict zones, particularly in line with UN mandates.

Background

The establishment of a Strategic Dialogue at foreign ministerial level was agreed at the 2023 EU-ROK Summit, and marks a new chapter in strengthening our relations in geopolitical and security-related issues.

See also:

Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea

DPRK/Russia: Joint Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul on DPRK-Russia Cooperation