The top military leaders of South Korea and Türkiye met in Seoul on Monday to discuss expanding defense cooperation amid growing regional security concerns, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced.
Admiral Kim Myung-soo, chairman of South Korea’s JCS, hosted General Metin Gurak, Türkiye’s chief of the General Staff, for talks focused on mutual security interests, including the threat posed by North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the two commanders exchanged views on ways to counter the evolving military challenges in Northeast Asia.
During the meeting, Admiral Kim and General Gurak also explored strategies for preparing for future warfare. Discussions included enhancing coordination between manned and unmanned military systems, an area both nations see as critical for maintaining a technological edge on future battlefields.
Officials said the talks are part of ongoing efforts by Seoul and Ankara to deepen their military ties, with a focus on technology sharing, joint training, and strategic coordination. Both countries are long-standing partners and have a shared history of cooperation dating back to the Korean War, when Turkish troops fought alongside South Korean and United Nations forces.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following a series of provocative weapons tests by North Korea. Pyongyang’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and delivery systems remains a central security concern for South Korea and its allies.
Monday’s talks are seen as a sign of Seoul’s broader strategy to strengthen global defense partnerships in response to regional threats, while Türkiye looks to enhance its role as a key player in international security affairs.
The JCS said the two sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore additional avenues for cooperation in defense technology and military readiness.
