President Moon: "Diplomatic and Security Cooperation with Australia is Highly Valued"

President Moon Meets Australian Foreign and Defense Ministers... "Hoping for Concrete Discussions on a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 13th, President Moon Jae-in met with Australian Foreign Minister Payne and Defense Minister Dutton, stating, "The fact that Australia's heads of foreign affairs and security are visiting Korea together shows Australia's strong will to value the relationship with Korea and further strengthen the strategic partnership," and added, "Korea also places great importance on diplomatic and security cooperation with Australia."

President Moon said, "During the G7 summit, I agreed with Prime Minister Morrison to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I hope that concrete discussions will take place at the foreign and defense ministers' meeting between the two countries held today."

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "Australia is a grateful country that participated in the Korean War, shedding blood together to protect Korea's peace and freedom," and added, "As middle powers representing the Asia-Pacific region and exemplary democracies, the two countries must strengthen strategic communication in various global fields such as infectious disease response, climate environment, disarmament, and non-proliferation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "Australia is our largest trading partner in the Oceania region, and Korea is Australia's fourth largest trading partner," and expressed hope that "the Korea-Australia foreign and defense ministers' meeting will deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries even further."

Australian Foreign Minister Payne said, "I believe the Republic of Korea government's New Southern Plus policy once again emphasizes the importance of inclusiveness, openness, transparency, and respect for norms in the Indo-Pacific region," and added, "in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, dialogue and close coordination are the most important core processes."

Australian Defense Minister Dutton said, "This morning, I had a constructive bilateral meeting with Minister of National Defense Seo Wook. This included cooperation in the defense industry sector," and added, "I hope we can continue to cooperate together on peace and prosperity in the region."

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