Visit to the Republic of Korea

  • Joint media release

Minister forForeign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP and Minister for Defence, Senator theHon Marise Payne will visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) on 12 and 13 October toadvance Australia's defence and strategic efforts to support regional stabilityand security.

Ministers willparticipate in the third Australia-ROK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers'Meeting with their Korean counterparts, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha andMinister for National Defense Song Young-moo.

The 2+2 meeting will providefurther strategic direction to Australia's engagement with the Republic ofKorea. We will discuss ways of addressing North Korea's threatening anddestabilising pursuit of its nuclear and missiles programs, and exchange viewson further strengthening our cooperation on strategic issues.

North Korea's refusal to abide by international laws poses aserious and immediate threat to the security of our region. Australia works closelywith the Republic of Korea, including in the implementation of resolutionsadopted by the United Nations Security Council. Minister Bishop's recentNational Statement to the UN General Assembly reiterated Australia's commitmentto helping to resolve the crisis on the Peninsula.

We will alsodiscuss further ways to advance bilateral relations. The Republicof Korea is Australia's fourth-largest overall trading partner, with two-waytrade valued at almost $30 billion in 2016. The Korea-Australia Free TradeAgreement continues to sustain robust trade and investment. By the end of 2018,more than 1,000 students will have studied and undertaken internships in theRepublic of Korea under the New Colombo Plan.

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