Lithuanian, Korean vice defmins discuss arms acquisition

VILNIUS – Lithuania's Deputy Minister of National Defense Vilius Semeska visited South Korea this week and met with his counterpart Shin Beomchul to discuss an intergovernmental agreement and the acquisition of arms, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

Also, bilateral cooperation the area of defense industry was discussed, the statement said.

"Our geopolitical situation is partly similar. (...) Both we and South Korea defend the same values, so we can learn from each other's experience and cooperate in protecting democracy and freedom," Semaska was quoted saying in the statement.

The Lithuanian vice minister also visited the defense industry exhibition DX Korea 2022 during his visit on Tuesday through Wednesday.

Semaska invited Eom Dong-hwan, the minister of South Korea's state arms procurement agency, to come to Lithuania and get acquainted with the opportunities to produce certain weapons and their components in Lithuania.

To boost Lithuania's capability, particular interest was expressed in possible acquisition of artillery and multiple rocket launchers and ammunition from South Korea, the ministry said.