Chip and reactor pitch to be a priority of Korean pres' debut at NATO summit

[Photo by Yonhap]

Chip and reactor business will be a priority next to North Korean issue for South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol readying to debut on the global stage through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held in Spain, on June 20 and 30, according to the presidential office.

South Korea has been invited to the transatlantic alliance summit for the first time, along with other Asia-Pacific nonmembers Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

In his first overseas trip since taking office in May, Yoon will seek NATO’s support for North Korea’s nuclear issue and pitch for Korean chips, nuclear reactors, and weapons.

Yoon is readying a three-minute speech during the joint session where he will outline the new government’s position on North Korea and seek international support.

He will specify incentive package if North Korea denuclearizes, an official from the presidential office said.

South Korea has established partnership with NATO in 2006 and has depended on the council as its strongest backer for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

NATO issued 25 sets of statements condemning North Korean provocations since the first nuclear test in 2006.

Business would be on Yoon’s mind as much as security.

He will have individual talks with 10 summits from the Netherlands, France, and Germany and others.

Chip will be the top agenda in talks with Dutch leader, defense area in talks with Poland, next-generation batteries and artificial intelligence with Canada.

While denouncing Russia’s invasion, Seoul will pledge $100 million assistance to Ukraine, doubled from earlier offer.

Meanwhile, Seoul will open a permanent office in NATO headquarters in Brussels, The envoy to EU will co-head as the NATO representative.

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