Flags of member countries are displayed at NATO headquarters. NATO is a political and military alliance of countries from Europe and North America. (Image courtesy of NATO)
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — For the second year in a row, South Korea will participate in the annual North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Chiefs’ meeting, reflecting its growing engagement in global security discussions.
According to military sources, Lieutenant General Son Jeong-hwan, head of Strategic Planning at South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), will attend the NATO Military Chiefs of Defense Meeting in Brussels on January 15–16, representing JCS Chairman Kim Myung-soo. NATO officials confirmed the invitation, emphasizing South Korea’s role as a valued partner.
The decision for high-level attendance comes despite challenges faced by South Korea’s military leadership, who are under scrutiny due to investigations linked to recent domestic political turmoil.
However, escalating security concerns—particularly North Korea’s recent intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launch and increasing military ties between North Korea and Russia—reinforced the need for robust military diplomacy.
In a January 6 call with Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, JCS Chairman Kim underscored the global implications of the North Korea-Russia military partnership and called for coordinated international responses, highlighting NATO’s critical role.
During the two-day meeting, NATO will host sessions on strategic security in the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, focusing on enhancing cooperation with partner nations.
Discussions will also include reviewing the NATO-led Ukraine Security Assistance and Training Unit (NSATU) and exploring additional measures to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, as Donald Trump prepares to assume his second term as U.S. President.
South Korea’s consistent involvement in NATO meetings underscores its commitment to addressing global security challenges while reinforcing its position in the international defense landscape.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
