President Lee Jae Myung held his first phone call with Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Dec. 4, discussing ways to boost cooperation in defense industry and nuclear energy. Lee highlighted the significance of South Korea's exports of Shingung surface-to-air missiles and K9 self-propelled howitzers in strengthening Romania's defense capabilities and expressed hopes for continued involvement by Korean firms. The leaders also agreed to explore further collaboration in port and infrastructure development, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung spoke by phone for the first time with Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Thursday and discussed ways to boost cooperation in the defense industry, nuclear energy and other areas, Lee's office said.
Lee said it is meaningful that South Korea's exports of the Shingung surface-to-air missile system and K9 self-propelled howitzers to Romania have contributed to strengthening Romania's defense capabilities, voicing hopes that South Korean companies will continue to play a role in that regard, presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-joon said in a written briefing.
Lee asked for Romania's continued interest in allowing Korean companies to take part in its upcoming nuclear power projects.
Dan, in turn, lauded the technological strength and reliability of South Korea's defense industry and expressed hope that the two countries will work together to further enhance defense cooperation.
The two leaders also agreed to continue exploring ways for cooperation in port and infrastructure development, as well as for people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.
This call underscores efforts to deepen economic and security ties between South Korea and Romania, with Korean defense exports playing a key role in bolstering relations with European nations and nuclear technology gaining attention.