South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, is slated to attend a meeting with the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) nations on Wednesday, where discussions are expected to focus on cooperation in defense industry projects. Wi is representing South Korea at the summit in the Netherlands after President Lee Jae Myung opted not to participate due to concerns over the potential economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict. Wi has already engaged with European figures, including attending a dinner hosted by the King of the Netherlands.
A senior official stated that the IP4 session will concentrate on “areas of potential cooperation, particularly within pilot defense industry projects currently underway.” The IP4, comprising South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, serves as NATO’s key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Since 2022, this group has held annual meetings with NATO to deepen cross-regional security cooperation.
The IP4 session this year initially aimed to involve leaders from all four IP4 countries, the NATO Secretary-General, and the US President. However, significant leadership absences have altered the meeting’s dynamics. Following South Korea’s President Lee’s decision not to attend, the Japanese Prime Minister also announced his absence, and the US President confirmed he would not participate due to “scheduling issues.” The Australian Prime Minister had already withdrawn earlier. With only New Zealand’s Prime Minister confirmed among the IP4 leaders, South Korea’s Wi will be joined by Japan’s Foreign Minister and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister to proceed with the crucial defense industry discussions.