Cho Hyun’s Brussels Meetings Target NATO Cooperation and Belgian Relations On 23 January 2026, Cho Hyun met NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska in Brussels, where both sides pledged to broaden peace‑building collaboration and deepen defense dialogue to address global security challenges [1]. The same day he held a separate session with Belgium Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, discussing high‑level exchanges and practical cooperation across multiple sectors [1]. Official photos released by Seoul’s foreign ministry confirmed the dual engagements were part of a coordinated diplomatic push.

125th Anniversary of Korea‑Belgium Diplomatic Ties Celebrated Cho marked the 125th year of formal relations with Belgium by emphasizing the need to strengthen economic, cultural, and academic links during his discussion with Clarinval [1]. Both officials agreed to pursue joint projects in labor, economy, and agriculture, reflecting a long‑term partnership beyond ceremonial symbolism [1]. The meeting underscored Brussels as a hub for advancing Korea’s broader European outreach.

Turkey Segment of Four‑Day Tour Laid Groundwork for Current Talks Earlier in the itinerary, Cho arrived in Ankara on 20 January 2026 for bilateral talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, focusing on nuclear energy, defense, bio‑technology, and infrastructure projects [3][2]. The discussions built on President Lee Jae Myung’s November state visit, aiming to translate political momentum into concrete cooperation [3]. Both sides highlighted shared concerns over Korean‑Peninsula denuclearization, the Ukraine conflict, and Middle‑East stability [2].

Strategic Dialogue Extends to EU and NATO Frameworks After Turkey, Cho proceeded to Belgium for a second strategic security dialogue with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, reinforcing the 2010 strategic partnership between Seoul and the EU [3]. The agenda included regional security issues such as the Korean Peninsula and the war in Ukraine, linking EU cooperation with ongoing NATO engagement [1][3]. These parallel tracks illustrate Seoul’s effort to embed its security agenda within both transatlantic and European institutions.

Nuclear Partnership Documents Near Finalization Cho and Fidan agreed to conclude follow‑up documents to the nuclear‑partnership memorandum signed in 2025, signaling a concrete step toward joint nuclear projects [2]. The talks also explored opportunities for South Korean firms in Turkish infrastructure, indicating an expanding economic dimension to the bilateral relationship [2]. This development aligns with the broader theme of integrating defense, energy, and commercial cooperation across Cho’s European tour.