Economic and Social Research Institute Holds Forum on 'Exploring Ways to Enhance Korea-Australia Cooperation'

Discussion on Strategies for Developing Alliance Relations in the Asia-Pacific Region

A forum to explore ways to enhance economic and security cooperation between Korea and Australia will be held on the 19th.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (Chairman Choi Dae-seok) announced that it will hold a forum titled "The Future Opened Together by Korea and Australia" at 10 a.m. on the same day in the 1st Conference Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building.

This forum is co-hosted by the office of Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, the office of Choi Hyung-doo, the Federation of Korean Industries, and the Economic and Social Research Institute. Key political and governmental figures from both countries, including Han Ki-ho, Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to Korea, Jerome Laxale, Member of the Australian House of Representatives, and Fatima Payman, Senator, are expected to attend.

The forum will discuss ways for Korea and Australia to expand comprehensive cooperation in the fields of economy, industry, and security, and to develop a practical strategic alliance in the Asia-Pacific region.

The moderator of the forum will be Professor Kim Woo-sang of Yonsei University, former Ambassador of Korea to Australia. Professor Kim emphasized, "In the turbulent international situation caused by the US-China competition, Korea must pursue policies based on the 'Pivot Middle Power Diplomacy Strategy.' Especially, in carrying out the government's role as a 'Global Pivot State,' it is important to enhance economic and security cooperation with Australia, a representative pivotal country in the Indo-Pacific region."

Professor Park Jae-juk of Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Studies, who will deliver the keynote speech, is expected to present Australia's economic security policy direction and specific measures for Korea-Australia cooperation.

Professor Park stated, "Korea and Australia need to consider cooperation in energy sectors such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hydrogen, cybersecurity cooperation, and the promotion of similar dialogue channels like the 'Korea-Australia-ASEAN Policy Dialogue' held since 2021. In particular, organic linkage is necessary in security cooperation, including economic security cooperation and defense cooperation related to diversification of defense supply chains."

The panel discussion will include participants such as Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to Korea; Cho Sang-hyun, Director of the Korea International Trade Association's Institute for International Trade and Commerce; Yoon Chang-hyun, Director of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Lee Seung-beom, Director of International Policy at the Ministry of National Defense.

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