Yoon Meets Australian Deputy Prime Minister... Consensus on Defense and Defense Industry Cooperation

Yoon "Close Communication Through 2+2 Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers' Meeting"
Malls "Expecting Role of Korean Defense Industry in Enhancing Defense Capability"

President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Australia, who visited Korea on behalf of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend the Korea-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (29-30th).

According to Lee Do-woon, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, President Yoon met with Deputy Prime Minister Marles at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the morning of the 30th to discuss diplomatic and defense cooperation.

President Yoon mentioned that it was encouraging to meet again with Deputy Prime Minister Marles following the Korea-Australia summit held on the occasion of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on the 19th.

President Yoon urged, "I hope that the Republic of Korea and Australia, as important partners in the Indo-Pacific region, will work together to expand cooperation with the Pacific Island countries."

Regarding Australia's 'Defence Strategic Review' announced in April to strengthen its defense capabilities, he emphasized, "Since our strategic approaches align closely in building peace in the Indo-Pacific region and establishing stable supply chains, let us maintain close communication through the 'Diplomatic and Defence 2+2 Ministerial Meeting' and other channels."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Deputy Prime Minister Marles responded, "Congratulations on the successful holding of this leaders' meeting," adding, "The Pacific Island leaders who attended are very satisfied with the outcomes of this meeting."

He continued, "As Korea and Australia strengthen cooperation in various fields based on the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' we look forward to close coordination between the two countries in expanding cooperation with the Pacific Island countries for regional peace and prosperity."

Deputy Prime Minister Marles also expressed hope that "defense cooperation between the two countries will be further deepened to meet the changing security environment," and requested, "We expect the Korean defense industry, which possesses excellent technology, to play a greater role in enhancing Australia's defense capabilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.