Gu Hyeok-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, met Estonia's Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas on Wednesday during her visit to South Korea to discuss ways to cooperate in advanced science and technology.

The meeting was arranged at Estonia's request. The two sides shared policy and research and development (R&D) updates in key advanced technology areas such as energy technology, quantum, post-quantum cryptography and AI. They also agreed there was a need to secure strategic autonomy in technology through international cooperation at a time when it is difficult to independently develop strategic technologies. Al

They agreed to cooperate on launching larger joint projects beyond the digital and industrial joint tasks now under way, following South Korea's participation as an associate member of Horizon Europe. They also agreed to invigorate networks between dedicated institutions and national contact points (NCPs) in the two countries, and to continue communication to identify Horizon Europe call topics and match partners among researchers and companies.

Gu said building a cooperation network with Estonia's Ministry of Education and Research would be a major opportunity for researchers in both countries. He added he hoped it would be an opportunity to connect the two countries' research capabilities and innovation ecosystems in core technology areas.