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S. Korea, Netherlands Hold Their First Ever 2+2 High-Level Talks on Chips, Supply Chains, AI

Arirang News
Arirang News•Feb 11, 2026

Why It Matters

The pact strengthens supply‑chain security and technological leadership for two semiconductor powerhouses, offering a coordinated response to geopolitical pressures and shaping the future of global chip production.

Key Takeaways

  • •South Korea and Netherlands launch first 2+2 dialogue on chips
  • •Partnership targets stable semiconductor supply chains and advanced technology cooperation
  • •ASML’s EUV lithography becomes focal point for joint R&D initiatives
  • •Ministers agree on AI safety, cyber security, export control coordination
  • •Next dialogue scheduled in two years, cementing long‑term strategic alliance

Summary

South Korea and the Netherlands held their inaugural “2+2” high‑level talks in The Hague, bringing together foreign ministers and trade officials to cement a strategic partnership focused on semiconductors, supply‑chain resilience, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Both nations are pillars of the global chip ecosystem—South Korea supplies over half of the world’s DRAM and NAND memory, while the Netherlands hosts ASML, the sole provider of extreme‑ultraviolet lithography machines essential for advanced nodes. In a joint statement, the ministers pledged deeper cooperation across SMEs, research institutions, and joint R&D projects, including quantum technologies, and agreed to coordinate early‑warning systems, export‑control consultations, and supply‑chain monitoring.

Foreign Minister Tuan emphasized that “our countries have evolved into truly complementary and irreplaceable partners, especially in semiconductors and advanced technologies,” underscoring the urgency amid rising geopolitical tensions and the need for a rules‑based order. The dialogue also addressed responsible AI use and cyber‑security frameworks, reflecting broader strategic concerns beyond hardware.

The agreement signals a concerted effort to safeguard critical technology supply chains, reduce dependence on any single source, and position both economies as leaders in next‑generation chip manufacturing. By institutionalising cooperation, the partnership could shape global standards, influence trade policies, and provide a counterweight to US‑China tech rivalry.

Original Description

한-네덜란드, 첫 외교•산업 고위급대화 개최… 반도체•공급망•AI 협력 논의
Top diplomatic and trade officials representing South Korea and the Netherlands sat down here in Seoul for their first dialogue under this format aimed at reinforcing their strategic partnership.
Our senior correspondent Oh Soo-young covers the inaugural talks.
Two major semiconductor powers,.. South Korea and the Netherlands are deepening cooperation across key pillars of economic security.
On Wednesday, the two sides held their first-ever “2+2” high-level dialogue in Seoul, bringing together foreign and industry officials for a joint strategic consultation.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met their Dutch counterparts Minister David van Weel and Minister Aukje de Vries .
"Our two countries have evolved into truly complimentary and irreplaceable partnership and especially in and advanced technologies. "
"The launch of the 2+2 channel indicates that Seoul and The Hague now see each other as core partners on strategic interests.
The format was agreed upon two years ago, as the countries' two leaders committed to forming a semiconductor alliance."
Both countries are key players in the global semiconductor supply chain.
South Korea's Samsung and SK produce over half of the world's DRAM and NAND flash memory chip supplies.
The Netherlands plays a strategic role upstream.
It is home to ASML, the world's monopoly in extreme ultraviolet lithography technology essential for cutting-edge chip production.
For both governments, the agenda reflects a shared push to secure stable supply chains for strategic industries, from semiconductor equipment and materials to critical raw materials required for advanced manufacturing.
In their joint statement, the ministers pledged to strengthen semiconductor cooperation by linking ecosystems, across
Small and Medium Enterprises and research institutions, as well as exploring joint R&D in areas such as quantum technology.
Amid rising geoeconomic tensions and supply chain disruption, they also agreed to expand coordination on early warning systems, export control consultations, and supply-chain monitoring.
The ministers further discussed the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Seoul and the Hague reaffirmed the need to reinforce their Strategic Partnership deeming it an "invaluable instrument for guaranteeing sustainable growth capacity, economic security, and technological leadership, within a rules-based order."
"Over the last past years, we've faced unprecedented global challenges in geopolitical shifts that are marked increasingly by superpowers playing power politics. Now more than ever for us, it's necessary to work together with our partners to protect our shared interests and our shared values."
The next 2+2 dialogue will take place in two years’ time in The Hague.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
#SouthKorea #Netherlands #High_level_dialogue #Chips #Supply_chains #AI #대한민국 #네덜란드 #고위급_대화 #반도체 #공급망 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스
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2026-02-11, 17:00 (KST)

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