Stockholm: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held discussions with his Swedish counterpart regarding enhancing bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and the arms industry, as reported by the defense ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the meeting with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson in Stockholm, Ahn remarked on the significance of his visit as the first South Korean defense chief to Sweden. This meeting marked the first South Korea-Sweden defense ministerial meeting in 14 years. Ahn expressed his gratitude for Sweden's ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, specifically highlighting its dispatch of medical personnel during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

Ahn also acknowledged Sweden's initiatives to strengthen its defense capabilities following its entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March of the previous year. Jonson emphasized the growing importance of collaboration with South Korea, considering the increased security connections between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Both nations reached an agreement to collaborate closely in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, manned-unmanned teaming, aerospace, drones, and counter-drone technologies.