South Korea and Estonia discuss defence cooperation and security issues

The two ministers reviewed existing partnerships, including cybersecurity cooperation facilitated through NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), where South Korea has been an official member since 2021. Minister Kim noted the progress in this area and suggested exploring additional avenues for collaboration.

Minister Pevkur highlighted the successful integration of South Korea’s K9 self-propelled howitzers into Estonia’s defence forces, acknowledging their contribution to improved operational capabilities. Both sides expressed interest in expanding defence cooperation, including personnel exchanges, training programmes, and industrial collaboration.

The ministers also discussed shared concerns over the impact of North Korea and Russia’s increasing military alignment, describing it as a destabilising factor for Europe and the Korean Peninsula. They emphasised the importance of international cooperation to address these challenges and support global stability.

During his visit, Minister Pevkur met with members of South Korea’s National Assembly Defence Committee, as well as executives from Hanwha Aerospace, the manufacturer of the K9 howitzers. He also attended a joint meeting of Estonian and South Korean defence industries at the Estonian Business Hub in Seoul.