S. Korea, Romania discuss defense cooperation, K9 howitzer production

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with Romanian President Nicolae Ciucă on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. The leaders emphasized the importance of Romania as a key partner for South Korea, particularly in the defense industry. President Lee noted significant progress in defense sector collaboration, highlighting the upcoming local production of South Korea's K9 self-propelled howitzers as a particularly meaningful development.

President Lee expressed his vision for defense cooperation beyond mere transactions, aiming for joint development, co-production, and collaborative ventures into third markets. He invited President Ciucă to visit South Korea to further solidify practical cooperation. The leaders also shared a lighthearted moment, with President Lee joking about experiencing Dracula's homeland.

President Ciucă acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship and noted ongoing interesting investments. He specifically mentioned the participation of South Korean companies in the renovation of two nuclear power plants in Romania and the pursuit of new nuclear power plant construction projects. He expressed optimism about new economic opportunities between the two nations and extended an invitation for President Lee to visit Romania.

The meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between South Korea and Romania, extending beyond defense to encompass energy and broader economic collaboration. Both leaders expressed a commitment to deepening these ties.