Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac held talks with the European Union (EU)'s top trade negotiator Friday to discuss strengthening economic security cooperation amid energy market uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict, Cheong Wa Dae said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi and Maros Sefcovic, the EU's commissioner for trade and economic security, shared their respective efforts to address the energy supply disruptions and price fluctuations. They agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation for economic security. Both officials emphasized that "like-minded and mutually trusted partners," such as South Korea and the EU, should work closely together and coordinate their responses to these challenges. They highlighted the necessity for an interagency consultative channel on economic security between the two sides.

"The government will continue to strengthen economic security cooperation with the EU across a range of areas, including critical minerals and supply chains, in response to the Middle East situation and broader global uncertainties amid supply chain and resource security risks," Cheong Wa Dae stated. This commitment underlines the ongoing efforts by South Korea and the EU to bolster their economic resilience and safeguard their mutual interests in an increasingly volatile global landscape.