Outcome of Korea-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (September 25)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun had a meeting with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on the morning of Thursday, September 25, local time, on the occasion of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional developments.

Minister Cho noted that high-level exchanges have been actively taking place since the launch of the new Korean administration. He highlighted that this first meeting between the two foreign ministers, following their phone call on August 4, demonstrates the close strategic communication between the two countries. He looked forward to further advancing bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including defense and the defense industry.

Minister Wong congratulated Minister Cho on his inauguration and emphasized that Korea is one of Australia's most important partners. She expressed her hope that, amid the growing uncertainty in the international landscape, the two like-minded countries would deepen cooperation and strengthen strategic communication on regional issues.

Minister Cho explained the Korean government's efforts to reduce tensions and build peace on the Korean Peninsula and asked for Australia's continued support in this regard. The two ministers exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to step up bilateral coordination to promote peace and stability in the region.

In addition, the two ministers agreed to continue working together toward the success of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in October.