Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit Sweden and Norway this week to drum up arms cooperation with the countries and bolster arms exports to the region, officials said Tuesday. During the trip from Wednesday through Saturday, Ahn is scheduled to meet with his Swedish and Norwegian counterparts, Pal Jonson and Tore Onshuus Sandvik, respectively, for ministerial talks.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the separate meetings, Ahn is expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in defense exchanges and promote South Korea's defense manufacturing industry. These discussions aim to foster collaboration and enhance the existing ties between South Korea and the northern European nations.

The minister also plans to discuss ways to expand strategic cooperation with the northern European countries to help bring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region. The focus will be on developing a mutual understanding that can contribute to regional security and defense capabilities.