Media release

4 May 2008

Foreign Minister to Visit Hong Kong, Republic of Korea and Japan

I will visit Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, and Japan from 5 to 9 May to advance Australia’s important political and economic interests in North Asia. 

I will visit Hong Kong from 5 to 6 May.  During my visit to Hong Kong, I will meet Chief Executive Donald Tsang and other senior officials, as well as members of Hong Kong’s business community. 

Australia and Hong Kong enjoy a strong relationship underpinned by long-standing trade, tourism and education links.  Hong Kong is Australia’s fourth-largest source of foreign investment and a major source of international students. 

Around 55,000 Australian expatriates live in Hong Kong, and around 72,000 people of Hong Kong origin now call Australia home.

My visit to the Republic of Korea from 6 to 8 May represents an important early opportunity to engage one of Australia’s most significant partners. 

The ROK is Australia’s third-largest export market, and an important partner on regional issues. 

In Seoul, I will meet newly elected President Lee Myung-Bak and attend the regular Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with my counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan, where we will discuss ways to expand our cooperation.  I will also meet other senior members of the new Lee Administration. 

I will register our interest in deepening our already strong relationship and in commencing FTA negotiations with the ROK – an initiative which could deliver major economic benefits to Australia.

My visit to Japan from 8 to 9 May will be my second this year, demonstrating the high priority the Government attaches to our strong economic, security and strategic partnership. 

During my visit I will meet senior Japanese Government Ministers, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura and Foreign Minister Koumura, and senior politicians to discuss a range of foreign policy issues, including our expanding security cooperation agenda, our FTA negotiations, and our cooperation in regional and global multilateral institutions.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555