Lee aims to build defence industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO member countries, Wi Sung-lac told a press briefing.

In Ankara, Lee will meet ​NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and take part in a ​group summit with leaders from Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, ⁠New Zealand and Australia, Wi said.

He will also attend the ​NATO defence industry forum and deliver a speech at one of ​its sessions.

“As geopolitical instability deepens, NATO member states are increasing their defence spending and also pursuing efforts to strengthen their own domestic defence production capabilities,” Wi ​said.

“South Korea, which is not a NATO member, must advance ​partnerships with NATO based on the alliance’s standards to facilitate exports of defence ‌materials,” ⁠he said.

Lee’s office is arranging more summits with leaders of other countries for defence cooperation, Wi said without elaborating.

After the two-day trip to Turkey, Lee will arrive in Ulaanbaatar on July 9 for ​a three-day state ​visit at the ⁠invitation of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Lee’s office said.

On the first day of the visit, the ​two leaders will hold a summit, issue a joint ​statement ⁠and sign multiple memorandums of understanding, Wi said.

South Korea views Mongolia as a key partner given its reserves of critical minerals, and as ⁠a ​neighbour that can contribute to peace on ​the Korean Peninsula through its close ties with North Korea, Wi said.