[Gyeongju APEC] Australian Prime Minister Meets Lee: "We Will Stand Together Against North Korean Invasion and Threats"

Lee: "I hope for a truly special new relationship"
Albanese: "POSCO is our largest customer... Steel cooperation"

President Lee Jaemyung held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on October 30 on the sidelines of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Prime Minister Albanese expressed his desire to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as green steel. He also stated, "We will stand together against invasions and threats from North Korea."

President Lee Jae-myung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shake hands on the 30th before the summit meeting at the APEC Summit Hall in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee held a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Albanese at the bilateral meeting room of the International Media Center HICO in Gyeongju that afternoon. In his opening remarks, President Lee said, "I hope Prime Minister Albanese's visit to Korea will be an opportunity to establish a truly special new relationship between Korea and Australia. While Korea and Australia have had many cooperative ties in the past, I believe there will be even more areas for collaboration in this increasingly complex international environment."

He continued, "In particular, at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Australian soldiers who fought in the Korean War are laid to rest. The Korean people have not forgotten that Australia provided special support that enabled the Republic of Korea to survive as a member of the free democratic world."

President Lee added, "We will also make active efforts to build an even newer and greater relationship between Korea and Australia."

Prime Minister Albanese responded, "Korea and Australia have established a comprehensive strategic partnership as allies, and I hope to further strengthen our economic relationship going forward."

Prime Minister Albanese mentioned his visit to the POSCO steel mill in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, earlier that afternoon, stating, "For Australia, POSCO is the world's largest customer among individual companies. The two countries are strengthening cooperation in research and development (R&D) in the green steel sector, which offers limitless opportunities."

He also noted, "Korean companies are making significant investments in lithium, critical minerals, and rare earths in Australia. These critical minerals will serve as a driving force for the global economy in the coming century."

In particular, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized, "The two countries also maintain strong ties in defense and security. Seventeen thousand Australian soldiers fought in the Korean War for the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea. Australia will stand with the Republic of Korea."

Attending the bilateral meeting were Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan, Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik, National Security Office Director Wi Sunglak, Policy Office Director Kim Yongbeom, and Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office Lim Woongsun.

On the Australian side, Acting International Adviser to the Prime Minister Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Korea Geoff Robinson, Acting Head of the International Division in the Prime Minister's Office Michael Keitchel, and Acting Deputy Head of the International Division Gillian Kenny were present.