Seoul, September 9, 2024 — South Korean Defense Minister Kim Young-suk held separate meetings with his Dutch and Singaporean counterparts on September 9, discussing defense and military cooperation. The meetings took place in Seoul and were aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in the defense sector.
During the meeting with Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, Kim Young-suk highlighted the second Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Military Domain Summit (REAIM 2024), which South Korea and the Netherlands are co-hosting. He suggested that the two countries use this event as a springboard to enhance cooperation and ensure that AI technology is used appropriately in future military strategies.
We must work together to ensure that AI technology is developed and utilized in a manner that aligns with our strategic goals, Kim Young-suk stated during the meeting.
The South Korean defense minister also called on the Dutch side to pay attention to South Korea’s weapon systems. Both ministers agreed to deepen their collaboration in defense technology and军工 sectors, with plans to hold an early director-level defense policy working meeting to facilitate communication.
In a separate meeting with Singaporean Defense Minister Hoo Choon Khing, Kim Young-suk expressed gratitude for Singapore’s support of South Korea’s policy towards North Korea. He requested that Singapore continue to show interest in South Korean weapon systems. Hoo Choon Khing responded by affirming that the two countries have deepened their cooperation in many areas, including defense, and that Singapore will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region.
We appreciate South Korea’s efforts and are committed to further developing our defense relationship through regular consultation mechanisms, Hoo Choon Khing said.
The talks come at a critical time as South Korea seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen its alliances in the face of increasing regional security challenges. The meetings were part of ongoing efforts to enhance defense cooperation and build upon existing strategic partnerships.
The discussions with the Dutch and Singaporean ministers also touched on a range of issues, including the importance of responsible AI use in the military domain. South Korea and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of promoting the responsible use of AI in military applications, and the REAIM summit is seen as a significant step in this direction.
During the meetings, Kim Young-suk emphasized the need for international collaboration to address emerging security threats and to ensure that defense technologies are developed in a manner that is ethical and sustainable.
The use of AI in military applications must be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, Kim Young-suk stressed.
The meetings were held against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly in light of North Korea’s recent activities. The South Korean defense minister’s talks with his Dutch and Singaporean counterparts are seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence capabilities and ensure a robust defense posture.
In conclusion, the meetings between Kim Young-suk and his Dutch and Singaporean counterparts represent a significant step forward in South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its defense cooperation with key allies. The discussions not only focused on immediate defense needs but also on long-term strategic goals, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing the evolving security landscape in the region.
Keywords: Defense, South Korea, Netherlands, Singapore, AI, Military Cooperation, Security Challenges, Strategic Partnerships.
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