Seoul proposes higher-level partnership with NATO in weapons development
¬ South Korea to provide $100 million in aid to Ukraine, excluding lethal weapons
¬ Japan's Cabinet says Aso Yōko will continue Abe Shinzō's policies on the fourth anniversary of his passing
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President Yoon Suk-yeol proposed elevating South Korea’s defense industry cooperation with NATO to a new level by establishing a "Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0."
The proposal was put forward by President Yoon during the NATO Defense Industry Forum held in Ankara.
"I propose upgrading our current defense cooperation—primarily focused on weapon systems transactions—to a 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0,' which would encompass joint research, production, and operation of these systems," said President Yoon.
He noted that South Korea and NATO countries share common values such as democracy, freedom, and peace, and that rapidly evolving international circumstances demand closer collaboration in the defense industry sector.
He emphasized: "Today's conflicts are not determined solely by battlefield conditions but also by technological advancement and the resilience of supply chains."
He explained: "The frontlines of national security now run through laboratories conducting cutting-edge technology research and production bases for weapons manufacturing."
President Yoon advocated for NATO to significantly expand joint research in advanced technology fields, underscoring that R&D cooperation is the most reliable pathway toward harmonizing technical standards and achieving a shared vision of innovation. He cited South Korea’s existing participation in NATO projects related to military equipment and aerospace as examples.
Finally, President Yoon stated: "South Korea will always be your most reliable partner. As a security partner committed to upholding global peace and prosperity, we will advance resolutely alongside NATO toward building a safer world."
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The South Korean government has decided to provide a total of $100 million in comprehensive aid to Ukraine, which remains in a state of war, excluding lethal weapons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Seong-ro, Director of the National Security Office at the Blue House, announced this information on July 7 at a press center in Ankara, Turkey, during a briefing on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s outcomes from the NATO summit. He stated that the government pledged $100 million in aid to Ukraine, demonstrating South Korea’s determination to contribute to international peace and security. South Korea has previously provided continuous assistance to Ukraine through various channels, including humanitarian aid, and this latest commitment represents an enhanced contribution based on prior efforts.
Regarding whether South Korea might indirectly supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, a senior Blue House official confirmed that Seoul’s position remains unchanged: no lethal weapons will be provided to Ukraine. Specific details of the aid package have not yet been finalized, but the government will continue offering support in non-lethal areas.
A new round of NATO summit began on Tuesday in Ankara, with plans expected to be announced during the meeting for a fresh round of assistance to Kyiv. The exact content of the plan is still under discussion and has not been finalized.
President Yoon arrived in Ankara on July 7 to attend the NATO summit. On his first day, he held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, participated in a meeting with Indo-Pacific partners, and delivered a speech at the NATO Defense Industry Forum.
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Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi said on the fourth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death that Prime Minister Aso Yōko will continue pursuing Abe’s policies.
"Abe laid the foundation for the vision of a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.' The Aso administration strictly adheres to the principles underlying this vision and is committed to its further development and evolution," Motegi said during a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday.
He highlighted that ending deflation, achieving GDP growth, and strengthening the labor market were core components of Abe’s strategy—the so-called "Abenomics."
On July 8, 2022, Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during a campaign rally in Nara Prefecture. The assailant, Tetsuya Yamagami, used a homemade firearm to fire two shots at Abe. Abe sustained severe injuries and died hours later due to massive blood loss.
On January 21, 2026, the Nara District Court sentenced Yamagami to life imprisonment.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1870118624692231/
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