South Korea aspires to special strategic partnership with Hungary

At the meeting, which was also attended by Dr. Dávid Klacsmann, MoD Deputy State Secretary for Defence Industry and Procurement, Lee Hunseung, Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the South Korean National Assembly expressed his pleasure on seeing that the ongoing dialogue between the two states remains efficient and continuous after the South Korean president’s visit to Hungary last year. He also said thanks for the Hungarian support for South Korea’s bid submitted to hold the World Expo 2030.

During the discussion – which was held with the participation of H. E. Mr. Park Chul-min, South Korea’s ambassador in Budapest – the negotiating delegations expressed their intention of exploring further possibilities for cooperation. It was stated that South Korea’s defence sector is almost completely self-sufficient, as the country produces 90% of its weapons on its own.

Gábor Gion, MoD State Secretary for Strategic Analysis and Human Resources praised the relationship between the two countries. He stated that “It is time to expand our excellent economic, political and cultural relations to other fields of cooperation as well.” He pointed out that South Korea is one of the biggest investors in Hungary. Speaking about the fields where cooperation may be strengthened, he highlighted research and development, innovation and higher education. Gábor Gion said that since Hungary has been implementing an intensive armed forces development program, it opens up the opportunity to develop defence industrial relations between the two countries.

The State Secretary is presently leading the development of Hungary’s defence industrial strategy and defence innovation strategy. In response, the members of the South Korean delegation asserted that Hungary has been a strategic partner so far, and they would like to take this to the level of special strategic partnership.