The 3rd Republic of Korea (ROK)-United Kingdom (UK) Cyber Dialogue took place in Seoul on February 10th, with Cho Hyun-woo, Ambassador for International Security Affairs in the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Will Middleton, Cyber Director in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), serving as co-chairs.
The meeting brought together around 40 officials from various cybersecurity-related departments and agencies in both countries, including officials from ROK’s MOFA, Office of National Security, Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), & Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI), as well as the UK’s FCDO, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), & Department for Business and Trade.
With 2022 marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the ROK and the UK, the two countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation on cybersecurity as a crucial aspect of their bilateral relationship. The co-chairs also discussed the implementation of the cybersecurity elements of the Bilateral Framework for Closer Cooperation, which was adopted by President Yoon and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year.
During the dialogue, the officials exchanged their views on various cybersecurity-related issues. They talked about mitigation strategies against cyber threats, cooperation in international fora such as the G20 and the United Nations (including ITU and WSIS), private sector cooperation on cyber security, cooperation on connected spaces, Internet of Things, and cyber skills.
Both sides recognized North Korea’s illicit cyber activities, including cryptocurrency theft and data and technology theft to support its development of nuclear weapons and missiles, as serious threats to national security and international peace and security. They agreed to explore further cooperation to counter these persistent cyber threats. They also discussed other state threats and opportunities to deepen cooperation in countering the malign cyber activity that undermines the rules-based international system.
Prior to the dialogue, Ambassador Cho met with Gemma Ungoed-Thomas, Director for State Threats and Cyber in the National Security Secretariat in the UK Cabinet Office, on February 8th. The two officials emphasized the importance of cyber deterrence and responding to malicious cyber activities that threaten national security. They committed to close cooperation going forward.
The 3rd ROK-UK Cyber Dialogue was a significant event that showed both countries’ commitment to strengthening their cooperation on cybersecurity. With the persistent cyber threats facing both nations, this dialogue was an essential step toward enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities and securing their respective digital environments.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
