Korea, Slovakia agree to establish strategic partnership as leaders meet for summit

Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico held a summit on Monday and released a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, right back, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, left back, watch Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, right front, and Denisa Sakova, Slovak deputy prime minister and minister of economy, left front, sign memorandums of understanding (MOU) during a signing ceremony in Seoul Monday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico held a summit on Monday and released a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries. The two sides also signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU), Korea's presidential office announced the same day.

Building on over 30 years of bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1993, Korea and Slovakia will "elevate" their relationship by establishing a strategic partnership encompassing the most significant areas of present and future cooperation, according to the presidential office.

The MOUs signed include a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) and an agreement on comprehensive energy cooperation that covers carbon-free energy sources.

Korea and Slovakia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and holding regular high-level consultations between their foreign ministries, covering bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. Both nations pledged to support a fair and rules-based international order and enhance cooperation within multilateral platforms, including the UN and NATO.

Furthermore, building on the 2017 Agreement on Economic Cooperation, both sides agreed to bolster their economic ties, emphasizing innovation, modern technology, and startup growth.

In the cultural sector, Korea and Slovakia committed to enhancing scientific collaboration, particularly in health care, through joint research projects. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges, including student exchange programs, university partnerships, and a potential Working Holiday Program.

The two countries further acknowledged their shared priorities on global issues such as climate change, nuclear safety and sustainable development. They agreed to enhance cooperation through the Visegrad Group plus Korea framework, exploring new areas for joint projects. Slovakia praised Korea's contributions to the International Visegrad Fund, with both sides committed to fostering closer cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Slovakia expressed support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, backing Korea's "Audacious Initiative" for unification. Both countries called for the complete denuclearization of North Korea, condemning its missile tests and expressing concern over its military ties with Russia.

Fico arrived in Seoul on Sunday and will visit Seoul until Tuesday.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]