Joint statement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Joint statement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the occasion of the inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-level dialogue.
1/ On the occasion of the inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-level dialogue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (hereafter ‘the Ministers’) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on Wednesday February 11, 2026.
2/ Against the backdrop of increasing geoeconomic tensions, a faltering international trade system, and rapid advancements in new and disruptive technologies, the Ministers reaffirmed the need to further deepen bilateral cooperation based on the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The Ministers acknowledged that the Republic of Korea – Kingdom of the Netherlands Strategic Partnership remains an invaluable instrument for guaranteeing sustainable growth capacity, economic security, and technological leadership, within a rules-based order, of both the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
3/ The Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are important trading and investment partners. The Ministers acknowledged the progress made within the bilateral framework of the Strategic Partnership, in strengthening cooperation related to: trade, economic security, the responsible use of AI in the military domain, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and the stability of critical raw materials supply-chains through annual consultations and dialogues.
4/ Collaboration on Early Warning Systems and export control consultations were deemed by the Ministers to have effectively strengthened the economic security of both countries. The Ministers affirmed that exchanges on supply-chain monitoring methods were considered a constructive step toward exploring future cooperation in strengthening the economic security of both countries. The Ministers underscored the need to further expand these initiatives going forward, while also proactively identifying new areas of economic security related cooperation, including in the trade domain.
5/ In the digital domain the Ministers welcomed increased cooperation to promote an open, global, interoperable, stable and secure cyberspace. The Ministers underscored that going forward both countries should further explore ways to strengthen the close partnership in deterring cyber threats, developing international law and norms, and enhancing cyber resilience.
6/ The Ministers affirmed that the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) process and the Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (AIMD) United Nations Resolutions remain important instruments in guiding the international debate related to responsible artificial intelligence in the military domain and welcomed the successful conclusion of the third REAIM Summit in A Coruña, Spain on February 4-5, 2026. The Ministers affirmed the need for both countries to also explore cooperation on other aspects related to a responsible, safe, and human-centric approach to Artificial Intelligence, by realizing a regular bilateral working-level Artificial Intelligence dialogue and through inclusive international discussions going forward.
7/ The Ministers welcomed the steps taken to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of semiconductors, through government consultations, trade missions, and participation in trade shows. The Ministers reconfirmed their intent to continue this cooperation going forward and also to further strengthen strategic cooperation on semiconductors by realizing closer linkages between the semiconductor ecosystems of both countries, including those between small and medium enterprises, and R&D organizations and facilities.
8/ The Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to exploring mutual investments in advanced technology ecosystems, building on the recent Letter of Intent signed in The Hague to advance joint R&D projects in strategic areas such as semiconductors and quantum technologies.
9/ The Ministers expressed concern about recent supply-chain disruptions and highlighted the importance of continued discussion and cooperation between both countries on supply-chain monitoring, diversification, as well as exchanges on stockpiling initiatives, with a view to supporting the realization of sustainable, transparent, and secure supply-chains, including those for critical items and technologies.
10/ The Ministers agreed to organize the next 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-Level dialogue in two years time in The Hague, the Netherlands.