1. The fourth Republic of Korea-United States Cyber Policy Consultation will take place at the US Department of State on June 29, with Ambassador for International Security Affairs Shin Maeng-ho of the ROK Foreign Ministry and Coordinator for Cyber Issues Christopher Painter of the US Department of State leading their respective delegations.

° The Cyber Policy Consultation will come to seek cyber cooperation as stipulated in the joint fact sheet that was drawn up at the ROK-US summit talks in October 2015, which particularly represents the ongoing development of the bilateral relations into a comprehensive strategic alliance.

° The forthcoming Cyber Policy Consultation will bring together officials from such relevant government agencies as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, the Korea Internet and Security Agency of the ROK; and those from the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US. It will cover the international cyber environment; cyber policies of the two countries; potential areas of cooperation; international norms in cyber space and confidence-building measures; and ways to build capability for cyber security.

2. As cyber security has emerged as a key global issue following such large-scale hacking incidents as those involving Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, the upcoming Cyber Policy Consultation is expected to serve as an opportunity for the ROK and the US to further step up their substantive cooperation in responding to cyber security threats.

° So far, the ROK and the US have worked closely together in the field, including by sharing information on the heels of major cyber attacks and threats, such as those involving Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power. At their forthcoming meeting, the two sides will discuss ways to work more closely together, including in protecting main infrastructures, responding to cyber crimes and conducting joint research and development.


* unofficial translation