Defence Minister pushed forward the UK's
relationships with partners in the Indo-Pacific last week with
visits to the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.
In the Republic of Korea, the Minister the Responsible Artificial
Intelligence in the Military (REAIM) Summit, co-hosted by the UK
in Seoul, where international discussions about the use of AI in
the military took place.
The Summit focused on the adoption of AI in the military, which
has the potential to transform all aspects of defence and change
the nature of warfare – presenting opportunities including better
quality and quicker decision-making and automating dangerous
tasks. The summit also addressed the risks of AI and the need to
adopt technologies safely and responsibly.
Following the REAIM Summit, attended the Republic of Korea
- UN Command Defence Minster Meeting. The UN Command is a
multinational group, established to support the Republic of
Korea's security during and after the Korean War.
Attending the Seoul Defence Dialogue, met Vice Defense Minister Seon
ho Kim to discuss the UK's close partnership and cooperation with
the Republic of Korea. addressed the dialogue on the
challenges and future of defence innovation.
Defence Minister Lord said:
Our security at home in the UK is inextricably linked to
stability in the Indo-Pacific. That's why it's more important
than ever that we continue to work with regional partners and
allies to support global security and stand up for international
laws and norms.
That's exactly what I've been doing in Seoul and Hanoi, and it's
been an honour to visit so early in my post to discuss our
cooperation on the opportunities and challenges we face.
During his time in the Republic of Korea, Lord also visited the
demilitarized zone, and met with UK Royal Marines who are in the
Republic of Korea following recent exercises with ROK Armed
Forces. The UK remains committed to peace and security on the
Korean Peninsula and the collective security mechanisms on the
Peninsula.
The UK and Republic of Korea have long worked together in support
of peace and security in the region. In July, the Minister joined
Korean representatives at the Korean War Memorial in London to
recognise the sacrifices of all those who gave their lives during
the Korean War, including over one thousand British military
personnel.
The visit last week was an important moment to build on the
meeting held by Prime Minister Kier Starmer and President Yoon in
July, and the Downing Street Accord, signed during President
Yoon's visit to the UK in November 2023.
Visiting Vietnam to co-chair the fifth annual UK-Vietnam Defence
Policy Dialogue, held discussions with Vice
Minister Chien on defence and security cooperation. Last year
marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and
Vietnam, and the relationship has developed over this time.
The UK recognises that security in the Indo-Pacific region is
indivisible from that in Europe and is committed to strengthening
relationships in the region further to support stability.
While in Vietnam, the UK Minister visited the Vietnam Department
for Peacekeeping Operations. The UK is supporting Vietnam in
developing as a UN Troop Contributing Nation, and has supported
Vietnam's deployments since 2018, including to South Sudan and
Abyei, by training medical and engineering personnel.
The Minister met with soldiers from the British Army's 8 Engineer
Brigade who have been supporting Vietnam with training and set
out how the UK is eager to assist with future initiatives.
The Government will make allies our strategic strength and is
determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments and
partnership.
