Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Acting Defense Minister holds phone talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles

□ At 10:00 a.m. on March 5, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho had a phone conversation with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles to discuss strengthening defense and defense industry cooperation between South Korea and Australia.

□ Acting Defense Minister Kim stressed the necessity of expanding bilateral relations through joint exercises and high-ranking official exchanges, particularly given the challenging international security environment, while underscoring the importance of further bolstering the rapidly advancing Korea-Australia defense and defense industry cooperation.

□ Kim highlighted the significant progress in bilateral defense ties over the past three years and reaffirmed South Korea’s dedication to actively participating in Australia’s military modernization efforts.

□ The two defense chiefs committed to ongoing discussions on how Korea’s defense firms can strengthen Australia's defense capabilities.

□ The two defense ministers emphasized that Korea and Australia are vital partners with shared values and interests, and agreed to enhance collaboration through ongoing communication, strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and expand defense exchanges and cooperation initiatives.

□ They also vowed to maintain close communication on critical security issues.

<End>