By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon met with Michael Kratsios, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and infrastructure on Aug. 5.

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced that Minister Bae and Kratsios held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting.

During the meeting, the two sides shared their respective AI policies. The US presented its AI Action Plan, while South Korea introduced its investments in AI data centers, including graphics processing units (GPUs), and the establishment of its own AI foundation model.

The two sides then discussed cooperation in AI technology and infrastructure. Beyond AI, they also explored cooperation across strategic technologies, including quantum science and technology, advanced biotechnology, and next-generation nuclear power.

Furthermore, the two sides emphasized the importance of research security in trust-based science and technology cooperation. They agreed to continue cooperation through systems and case studies.

Minister Bae stated, "I hope that the upcoming ROK-US summit will serve as an opportunity for the issues discussed today to develop into a 'ROK-US Strategic Technology Initiative,'" and proposed convening a ROK-US Joint Committee on Science and Technology at an early date to flesh out the plan.

Both sides shared the importance of a science and technology partnership between the two countries and expressed hope for the continued expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in strategic technologies.