Ankara: South Korea and Norway have agreed to bolster their defense industrial cooperation, as announced by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung after meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the NATO summit in Ankara.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Lee emphasized the longstanding friendship between Seoul and Oslo, highlighting their cooperation in renewable energy, shipbuilding, maritime industries, and the defense sector. Lee praised Norway as a reliable partner that values Korea's defense capabilities. He noted that both leaders have committed to strengthening defense industrial ties and exploring collaborations in emerging industries.

The discussion between the two leaders follows a significant contract won by South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace earlier this year, valued at $922 million, to supply Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems to Norway. President Lee also mentioned their comprehensive dialogue on regional and global issues, including security challenges in Europe and the Korean Peninsula.

President Lee expressed his commitment to ensuring that the outcomes of the meeting deliver tangible benefits for both nations. In a separate engagement, Lee met with Romanian President Nicusor Dan, expressing South Korea's interest in broadening bilateral cooperation beyond defense, particularly in nuclear power.

Lee described Romania as a vital cooperation partner, acknowledging the expansion of trade and defense industry collaboration between the two countries. President Dan indicated that new opportunities for economic cooperation would arise, and both leaders extended invitations for state visits.

These meetings occurred on the concluding day of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, where South Korea, although not a NATO member, participated alongside other Asia-Pacific partners such as Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.