The UK has signed an agreement with South Korea to enforce UN Security sanctions on North Korea.
The accord will see the allies interdict North Korea’s illegal weapons development through joint sea patrols in the East China Sea, where Royal Navy ships have previously captured evidence of smuggling.
The agreement is a part of the Downing Street Accord, a treaty between the two countries focusing on security, technology, and trade.
The Royal Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy will lead maritime missions along the Korean Peninsula, with the Royal Marines, the British Army, and its Korean counterparts also set to participate in other peacekeeping missions in the Indo-Pacific.
A Deepening Partnership
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated that the UK is committed to deepening its ties with South Korea to enhance its bilateral defense relationship.
“The UK is leading the way in supporting our Korean friends in countering North Korea’s aggressive posturing and ensuring the safety and security of the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The new accord also details the signing of a joint Ministerial Statement Of Intent to establish a new Defence Partnership for Industrial and Capability Cooperation, focusing on greater integration between the countries’ export and capability requirements.
Recently, the two nations participated in Exercise Imjin Warriors, a joint military exercise in Gangwon Province focusing on multinational rural operations.