▲ This file photo, provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, shows South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo (R) shaking hands with the Netherlands' Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans during their meeting in the European nation on Dec. 3, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

S Korea-Netherlands-dialogue

S. Korea, Netherlands reaffirm strategic partnership in trade, economic security

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the Netherlands held the inaugural meeting of a high-level dialogue attended by their foreign affairs and trade ministers Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, economic security, artificial intelligence (AI) and other areas amid heightened global tensions, Seoul officials said.

The high-level dialogue brought together Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, with their respective Dutch counterparts, David van Weel and Aukje de Vries, in Seoul.

Following their talks, the ministers of the two countries issued a joint statement in which they reaffirmed the need to further deepen bilateral cooperation based on the countries' strategic partnership against the backdrop of increasing geoeconomic tensions and rapid advancements in new technologies.

Seoul and The Hague have been working to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas from trade, economic security and the responsible use of AI in the military domain to semiconductors and critical mineral supply chains under their bilateral strategic partnership forged in 2022.

Building on current collaborations, the two sides agreed to explore additional mutual investment opportunities in advanced technology ecosystems, while advancing joint research and development (R&D) projects in semiconductors and quantum technologies, the joint statement read.

They also agreed to work to identify new areas for cooperation in the domain of economic security, cybersecurity, the responsible use of AI and critical mineral supply chains.

The second round of the 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-Level Dialogue between Korea and the Netherlands will be held in The Hague in 2028, according to Seoul officials.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]