Korea-Australia Defense Ministers Joint Call: "Participation in Australian Military Modernization"

The Ministry of National Defense announced that Acting Minister Kim Seon-ho held a coordination call with Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on the morning of the 5th to discuss ways to expand defense and defense industry cooperation between the two countries.

Acting Minister Kim emphasized the need to continuously strengthen the rapidly advancing Korea-Australia defense and defense industry cooperation, and proposed further expanding bilateral relations through joint exercises and high-level exchanges amid the severe international security environment.

In particular, Acting Minister Kim noted the remarkable growth in defense industry cooperation between the two countries over the past three years and conveyed Korea's continued willingness to participate in Australia's military modernization projects. The two ministers agreed to continue discussions on ways Korean defense companies can contribute to enhancing Australia's defense capabilities.

Additionally, the two ministers reaffirmed that Korea and Australia are key partners sharing values and interests, and agreed to maintain frequent communication and close cooperation to develop the countries' 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' and bilateral defense exchange cooperation.