The British Embassy in Seoul said on the 17th that the first Korea-U.K. high-level forum, held over two days on the 15th-16th at the Conrad Seoul hotel, wrapped up successfully.
This forum was the first high-level public-private consultative body convened since the adoption of the "Downing Street Accord" in Nov. 2023 elevated bilateral ties from a "comprehensive and creative partnership" to a "global strategic partnership."
The forum was co-hosted by the British Embassy in Seoul and Wilton Park under the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with sponsorship from Hyundai Motor Group, Rolls-Royce and Hanwha.
The forum discussed a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence (AI), the defense industry and soft power. In particular, the AI session explored strategies for the two countries to position themselves as AI leaders by combining the U.K.'s innovation capacity, regulatory environment and startup ecosystem with Korea's semiconductor and manufacturing competitiveness.
It also sought ways to deepen defense cooperation focused on entering third-country markets and innovating defense technologies. In the soft power session, participants agreed it is important to leverage the two countries' status as "soft power powerhouses" to expand cooperation in culture and creative industries and create new opportunities for both publics.
British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks said, "Although located at opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, the United Kingdom and Korea are steadfast partners that share common values and a vision," adding, "This forum was a meaningful venue for the two countries to seek practical, future-oriented cooperation in key areas."