South Korean Defense Minister meets with NATO Alliance Operations Commander... Seeks cooperation and support for ``deterring North Korean provocations''

On the 29th, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Alliance Operations Commander Christopher Cavoli, who was visiting South Korea, at the Ministry of National Defense building in Seoul.
They discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in the defense field between South Korea and NATO and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. This is the first time that a NATO Allied Operations Commander has visited South Korea.
Defense Minister Singh and General Cavoli highly praised the fact that both sides have continued to strengthen mutual cooperation in various areas, including military exercises, cybersecurity, and chemical weapons protection.
Defense Minister Singh announced that based on the ``Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP),'' which was concluded at the NATO Summit in July last year, cooperation in the defense field between the two countries will be implemented.
We have decided to practically implement the plan. In response, General Cavoli emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between NATO and South Korea in the field of national defense, stating, ``The cooperation between the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff and the NATO Allied Operations Command
We will continue to work closely together." Defense Minister Singh also emphasized, ``This is an extremely important time for the international community to cooperate in deterring and responding to North Korea's provocations.'' Further provocations from North Korea
He explained the South Korean government's efforts to deter the United States and asked for NATO's attention and support. Furthermore, Defense Minister Singh said, ``Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security can never be separated.''
``NATO is an important partner for South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy, and we will further strengthen cooperation in the field of national defense.''