From 6^th  to 9^th of April 2021, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea. This was the very first opportunity for an EU Official to pay a visit to Seoul, on the invitation by Korean authorities, since the outbreak of the pandemic.

In Seoul, accompanied by the head of the EU Delegation - Ambassador María Castillo Fernández, the Chairman met the Minister of Defence, Mr. SUH Wook, the Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff, General Won In Choul and the Commander of United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea (UNC/CFC/USFK) General Robert B. “Abe” Abrams.

The Chairman of EUMC also visited the United Nations Command, UNC, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Joint Security Area, the only portion of DMZ where ROK and DPRK forces stand face to face. 

This visit was a good opportunity to view exchange with Korean authorities on the most relevant topics within the Korean Peninsula and its implications on EU policy.

During the several meetings with EU and local political, diplomatic and military representatives it was highlighted the importance to continue with the required dialogue oriented to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the need to enhance multilateralism with like-minded partners always based on the reciprocal need and will to cooperate.

Furthermore, the EU increased attention towards the Indo-Pacific region and RoK participation in EU NAVFOR ATALANTA, are signs that the Maritime domain is probably the most relevant area of common security concern for the EU and RoK and where cooperation could be exploited.