Gyeongju: South Korea and the United States signed an agreement Wednesday to cooperate in artificial intelligence (AI), space, and other areas on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering underway in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the memorandum of understanding on the bilateral Technology Prosperity Deal focuses on expanding cooperation in scientific fields, including AI, next-generation mobile networks, bio, and space. The Ministry of Science and ICT outlined these areas of collaboration.
Ha Jung-woo, senior presidential secretary for AI policy and future planning, emphasized the importance of prioritizing direction, trust, and cooperation in technology development during the signing ceremony. Michael Kratsios, head of Washington's Office of Science and Technology Policy, noted that the agreement reflects Washington's respect for South Korea as a technology partner.
The agreement aims to accelerate efforts to utilize and innovate AI technology for various industries. Both countries highlighted AI's potential to drive progress in sectors like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education.
Seoul and Washington plan to cooperate on developing pro-innovation AI policy frameworks and promoting the export of trusted AI technology stacks. The agreement also emphasizes exporting reliable AI technology while promoting safe AI-driven innovation.
The science ministry stated that South Korea and the United States will enhance cooperation in next-generation communications, pharmaceutical supply chains, quantum innovation, and space exploration. The agreement also includes South Korea's support for the Fostering the Future Together global initiative established by Melania Trump, along with efforts to promote education and technology for children.
Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon described the memorandum as a symbol of cooperation for the prosperity of future generations, expressing hopes to further expand exchanges with the U.S. in the science sector. This builds on previous agreements, including Seoul's partnership with OpenAI, following a meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.