South Korea and Slovakia upgraded their bilateral relationship into a “strategic partnership,” covering key sectors like trade, defense and energy. Both countries signed a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) to boost cooperation, particularly in clean energy and supply chains. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to discuss joint security concerns, especially regarding North Korea’s growing ties with Russia.

South Korea’s trade ministry signed the TIPF with Slovakia, a Visegrad Group member state. The group also includes the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Slovakia is a major player in the European manufacturing sector, with over 140 South Korean companies operating there. The TIPF is expected to enhance cooperation in electric vehicles, nuclear energy and defense industries, expanding South Korea’s presence in Central Europe.