Seoul: South Korea and NATO have agreed to establish a consultative body focused on defense industry cooperation, as reported by a local media outlet on Thursday. This decision was made during a meeting between South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, held on the sidelines of the alliance's summit in The Hague.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement entails the creation of a director-general level consultation body which will focus on enhancing cooperation within the defense sector. The two sides have also consented to encourage South Korea's involvement in forthcoming NATO projects that aim to bolster the alliance's defense capabilities.

During the meeting, Wi Sung-lac emphasized the significant potential for expanded collaboration in the defense industry, highlighting South Korea's advanced defense capabilities. Additionally, Wi participated in a session with Rutte and representatives from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where they adopted a joint statement. This statement reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, especially in practical areas like defense.

The allies have agreed to persist in their advanced collaboration efforts, particularly in securing supply chains and in the development, production, and procurement within the defense sector.