Cheong Wa Dae said Wi Sung-lac, director of the Office of National Security, met on the 17th with Maroš Šefčovič, European Union (EU) European Commission commissioner for trade and economic security, who is visiting Korea, and discussed ways to strengthen economic-security cooperation between Korea and the EU. The two sides also shared each country's efforts to resolve the energy supply and price volatility crisis caused by the Middle East war.
According to Cheong Wa Dae, the two sides agreed that, spurred by the energy supply chain crisis caused by the Middle East situation, efforts by each country to strengthen economic security have become more important than ever. In particular, they agreed that the more crisis-prone the situation is, the more necessary close cooperation and coordination are between countries like Korea and the EU that are mutually trustworthy and have similar positions.
Wi, the director, and Commissioner Maroš said a cross-government economic-security consultation channel that comprehensively involves key economic-security ministries between Korea and the EU is needed. They also exchanged views on the broader international situation beyond the Middle East. Cheong Wa Dae said, "The government will continue to cooperate with the EU across the board, including critical minerals and supply chains, to strengthen economic security amid supply chain and resource security crises in the rapidly changing global landscape, including the Middle East situation."
◇ Lee to attend the "Hormuz video conference" led by the U.K. and France this evening
In the evening, President Lee Jae-myung will attend an international meeting on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, led by the leaders of the United Kingdom and France. The aim is for the international community to unite for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to the U.K. and France, about 40 countries, including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will take part. The United States, a party to the war, will not attend.
At the meeting, Lee is expected to present Korea's position on the energy supply chain and the Middle East situation and deliver a message underscoring the need for international solidarity for the free passage of the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Cheong Wa Dae official said, "Free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is in everyone's interest and also important to our national interest," adding, "The military track led by France and the diplomatic track led by the U.K. are coming together, increasing the number of participating countries, which could make the international movement more concrete."