By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
 

To further strengthen already excellent cooperation, Sweden will place a resident defense attaché at its Embassy in Seoul from August 1, 2024, the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul said.  

Sweden and the Republic of Korea celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations this year.  

What started with Sweden’s provision of a field hospital during the Korean War – Sweden’s largest humanitarian intervention ever in terms of personnel – has grown in to a vibrant, successful, and strong partnership. 

Today, both the Republic of Korea and Sweden are home to strategic industries at the technological edge – and trade, research collaboration and investments keep making our relations ever stronger.  

Defense cooperation has been an integral part of the relationship for over two decades. The Republic of Korea and Sweden first signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Research and Development collaboration between the Agency for Defense Development and the Swedish Defense Research Agency in 2007. 

Subsequent MoUs between the Ministry of National Defense, DAPA and their Swedish counterparts signed in 2009, 2010 and 2019 have further solidified our commitment to mutual security and development.   

Additionally, Sweden’s Ministry of Defense just issued (25th of July) a new strategy for defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.  

Minister of Defense of Sweden, H.E. Pål Jonsson said, “The Indo-Pacific and North East Asia are ever more important for Sweden and Europe, as security and defense affairs in these regions are increasingly interlinked. Appointing a resident defense attaché in Seoul is one step in Sweden’s efforts to further strengthen relations with the Republic of Korea and increase focus on security- and defense in the Indo-Pacific”.  

He added, “Sweden is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Republic of Korea. Security in Europe and security in Northeast Asia is becoming increasingly interconnected. Democracies like Sweden and the Republic of Korea should continue to strengthen their cooperation to advance security for all.”