Visit by South Korea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I warmly welcome the visit by Mr Ban Ki-moon, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Republic of Korea. Mr Ban will be in Australia from 28-31 August as a Guest of Government. Mr Ban's visit reaffirms the importance of Australia's strong political and economic relations with South Korea, which had their genesis more than 50 years ago at the time of the Korean War.

North Korea's nuclear ambitions are a key issue for our region. Australia strongly supports the six-party talks focused on achieving a nuclear-free Korean peninsula and in which South Korea has an important role. I look forward to exchanging views with Mr Ban on this issue, including on my recent visit to Pyongyang.

Mr Ban and I will also discuss a range of issues of common interest such as our commitment to the war against terrorism and to rebuilding efforts in Iraq.

Trade remains a key pillar of our bilateral relationship. Last year South Korea was our fifth-largest export market, our third-largest source of overseas students and our sixth-largest trading partner overall. Australia's already significant trade with South Korea in energy resources such as coal and LNG is expanding rapidly as the South Korean economy and its demand for energy continues to grow.

While in Australia, Mr Ban will also meet with the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, to sign a bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Energy and Mineral Resources. Mr Ban is also scheduled to deliver an address to the National Press Club on the evening of 30 August.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (DFAT) 02 6261 1555