"As competition between countries and regions intensifies to gain hegemony over emerging technologies, the semiconductor industry is strategically more important than ever before, which makes this visit to the Netherlands especially meaningful," Yoon said. "Semiconductors are the linchpin of Korea-Netherlands cooperation," he said. "The global semiconductor industry's stable and sustainable growth is in the core interest of both countries." South Korea and the Netherlands share a common understanding that "the economy is now synonymous with security and vice versa", the president added. – 'Crucial turning point' – ASML supplies South Korea's major chip makers, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. During the state visit, Yoon will tour the ASML headquarters, including the company's highly controlled "cleanroom" manufacturing facilities, becoming the first foreign leader to do so.