14th May 2024 at 3:17pm
The Royal Navy and its South Korean counterpart have been carrying out patrols around the Korean Peninsula in a first-of-its-kind joint operation.
The operation follows the signing of the Downing Street Accord by the UK and Republic of Korea in November 2023 during the state visit by President Yoon Suk-Yeoul.
HMS Spey patrolled alongside the South Korean military as one of two British Offshore Patrol Vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the UK’s permanent maritime presence in the region.
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“As well as cooperating on this important mission, I was thrilled that, alongside the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, we were able to develop greater interoperability and people-to-people links,” said Lieutenant Commander Kris White, the Executive Officer of HMS Spey.
“From the Korean War to today’s defence and security challenges, it was clear how like-minded we are, especially on the importance of maritime security and the free flow of trade.”
The Downing Street Accord is committed to bringing the UK and South Korea closer together, and enforces UN Security Council resolutions intended to curb North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme.
Sea patrols aim to stop smugglers from helping North Korea develop nuclear weapons by enforcing international sanctions.
Apart from defence and security, the UK is on a mission to foster closer ties with South Korea in a wide range of fields, including trade and business, clean energy and climate.
The accord is in line with similar agreements with Singapore and Japan, as the UK seeks to consolidate its influence in the Indo-Pacific.