— Three-Year Project to Build AI Specialized for Diplomatic Affairs —

1. To strengthen its diplomatic competitiveness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will implement a three-year plan titled the “Intelligent Diplomatic and Security Data Platform Project” and aimed at establishing an AI system dedicated to diplomatic functions.

2. At an internal forum held in February this year, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul emphasized that “The AI project at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marks the official launch of ‘AI in diplomacy.’ It is a crucial initiative that introduces AI technologies into the field of diplomacy to enhance our diplomatic capabilities.”

3. The MOFA AI initiative will begin with the employment of assistant AI for task efficiency and will gradually expand to introduce strategic AI for decision-making and tailored AI services for public engagement. After rigorous verification and evaluation of the latest AI models, MOFA will adopt generative and inference AI models optimized for diplomatic functions. Given unique needs of diplomatic and security agencies, the system will be built on a private cloud within the internal network, ensuring a secure and reliable AI environment.

4. This project is the first MOFA informatization initiative to be granted an exemption from the government policy to restrict participation of large enterprises, with LG CNS Co., Ltd. selected as the main contractor. The project will also involve VAIV Company, Synergion Co., Ltd., and Unidocs Co., Ltd.

5. In the lead-up to the project, MOFA conducted an information strategy plan (ISP) and a proof of concept (PoC) project in 2023. This year, drawing on the issues and insights derived from the 2024 pre-verification tasks, MOFA will begin building the AI platform in earnest.

6. In its first year, the project will focus on revolutionizing internal task efficiency. Future phases will include the adoption of agentic AI for the establishment of strategies as well as services for the public through a nexus with a large-scale government-wide AI system. This year marks the start of MOFA's AI transformation (AX).

7. Bae Jongin, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination, stated that every effort is being made to secure the budget necessary for the project's success, and affirmed MOFA’s commitment to developing a diplomacy-specific AI system through the active participation of senior and former diplomats.

8. To ensure the success of this initiative, MOFA will also form internal working groups and an external advisory panel to effectively identify key tasks and implement the project strategically.