您的当前位置:首页 > 新闻中心 > Chilean, Czech envoys laud Korean weapons 正文
时间:2024-09-22 07:14:45 来源:网络整理 编辑:新闻中心
Mathias Francke, Chilean ambassador to South Korea. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)POCHEON, Gyeonggi P
POCHEON, Gyeonggi Province -- The weapons systems developed by South Korea not only are efficient, but also offer opportunities to enhance defense ties, according to the top Chilean and Czech envoys in South Korea.
The two ambassadors were speaking to reporters following live-fire drills conducted by the Korean Army during a May 2 demonstration. The event, held for the first time for foreign diplomats in Seoul, was the latest highlight of the push by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to secure potential arms buyers by showcasing the latest weapons.
“We don’t have big relations in terms of buying or selling arms. We’re better with wine. But we’re always cooperating with Korea. We’re in MOU (memorandum of understanding) and cooperation agreements, between the Ministry of Defense both in procurement and also in cooperation in other issues,” said Mathias Francke, Chilean ambassador to South Korea.
The envoy referred to his country’s recent purchases of Korean “tactical vehicles,” calling them the “first step in buying more Korean technology in the armed forces.” The Chilean Marine Corps deployed 30 such vehicles in November last year.
Gustav Slamecka, Czech ambassador to South Korea, said the drills will help his country discuss “future cooperation in the defense industry” with Seoul, noting Korea-Czech business ties are already strong in other sectors.
“Of course Korea is one of the major producers with efficient weapons, so we are looking at Korea as a potential supplier for the Czech Republic,” Slamecka said.
The envoy underscored boosting arms purchases in the face of growing global conflicts, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The world is becoming more dangerous these days with the wars in Ukraine, and some other conflicts. So we have to respond to that,” he said.
The Foreign Ministry in Seoul, which had led interagency efforts for the drills and set up a task force in December last year to streamline arms exports, said the diplomatic missions could take advantage of a “sales pitch” before the purchase.
Local weapons makers had also contributed to making the drills happen, according to the ministry.
Twenty-two diplomats from 18 countries -- including Poland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and US -- took part in the demonstration. The military mobilized the K9 howitzers, the key export item, along with the K2 main battle tanks, K21 infantry fighting vehicles and Chunmoo artillery rocket systems. About 200 rounds of artillery shells were fired.
A day before marking the completion of his first year in office on Tuesday, Yoon touted foreign policy as something that could leave a mark on the anniversary, saying he would step up efforts to advance economic interests, including those involving the arms industry.
“We have eyes set on becoming the next arms player, after the US, Russia and France,” Yoon said in August last year at a speech marking 100 days in office. “Making the defense industry serve our strategic needs is crucial.”
Alcaraz, Sinner survive US Open wobbles2024-09-22 06:04
“国鲈”出战贵州“村超”!全国球迷都馋了…2024-09-22 06:02
来考古!#广东乡村歌手大赛海选舞台再现名场面,嗨翻全场!2024-09-22 05:55
积极救助受伤骑游群众2024-09-22 05:36
Where to pre2024-09-22 05:32
宝兴县教师节吹起“节俭风”2024-09-22 05:28
邛崃建起“种子方舟”,迎接九大“国字号选手”2024-09-22 05:25
古城人民的质朴声音 我的心愿 我的梦2024-09-22 05:21
Cyrix: Gone But Not Forgotten2024-09-22 05:07
广东省湛江市遂溪县义诊专家组赴融安开展义诊活动2024-09-22 05:02
Black Friday GPU Buying Guide: November GPU Pricing Update2024-09-22 07:05
关节炎患者如何做好自我保健2024-09-22 06:35
邛崃建起“种子方舟”,迎接九大“国字号选手”2024-09-22 05:55
市中医院:今夏伏九敷贴时间已结束2024-09-22 05:52
全国土壤普查办抽验组到广东开展土壤普查质量抽验2024-09-22 05:51
“秋老虎”发威注意防暑降温2024-09-22 05:45
重庆测绘院编印《雅安旅游导览图》正式出版2024-09-22 05:16
雨城区晏场镇中心校举行师徒结对大会2024-09-22 05:10
Best smartphone deal: Google Pixel 8a on sale for $449 at Amazon2024-09-22 05:10
超燃来袭!中山市“南头村BA”火热开幕!2024-09-22 05:06