From left, Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Aukje de Vries, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo pose for a photo before the Korea-Netherlands 2+2 foreign and industry meeting at the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Tuesday. Photo by Asia Today
Feb. 11 (Asia Today) — South Korea and the Netherlands agreed Tuesday to deepen cooperation on economic security, semiconductors, critical minerals and advanced technologies during their first “2+2” high-level dialogue bringing together foreign and industry officials.
South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel and Trade and Development Minister Aukje de Vries at the Seoul Government Complex, according to the Foreign Ministry.
The two sides said they would strengthen cooperation on mutual investment in advanced technology ecosystems and enhance supply chain stability, including closer links between their semiconductor industries.
In opening remarks, Cho said cooperation among middle powers has become increasingly important as the rules-based international order undergoes rapid change. He described the 2+2 format as a sign of the two countries’ shared commitment to addressing economic security and technology challenges in a more integrated and strategic way.
In a joint statement, both governments pledged to reinforce strategic cooperation by connecting their semiconductor ecosystems, including partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises and research and development institutions.
They also reaffirmed plans to explore joint research and development in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and quantum technology, based on a recent letter of intent signed in The Hague.
On critical minerals, the two countries agreed to continue discussions on supply chain monitoring, diversification and stockpiling policies to help build secure and sustainable supply chains. They expressed concern over recent disruptions in supplies of rare earth elements and other key materials.
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation on artificial intelligence, including regular working-level dialogue and international discussions to promote responsible, safe and human-centered AI use.
They reaffirmed the importance of the Responsible AI in the Military Domain process and a U.N. resolution on military uses of AI, welcoming the third REAIM high-level meeting held last week in A Coruña, Spain.
South Korea and the Netherlands described each other as important trade and investment partners and said annual consultations have strengthened cooperation within the framework of their strategic partnership, including in trade, economic security, cybersecurity and supply chain stability.
The 2+2 dialogue mechanism was launched following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the Netherlands in December 2023 and marks the first joint meeting of the two countries’ foreign and industry authorities under the new framework.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260211010004045