MELBOURNE: Australian and South Korean foreign and defense ministers held a “two plus two” meeting on Wednesday to discuss a myriad of bilateral regional issues ranging from Seoul’s potential inclusion in a regional security partnership to security cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The high-level talks encompassed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including South Korea’s potential involvement in the AUKUS security partnership and joint efforts to address the evolving military threats posed by North Korea.
During the meeting, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles engaged with their South Korean counterparts, Cho Tae-yul and Shin Won-sik, in discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and addressing common challenges.
One key agenda item was South Korea’s potential participation in the AUKUS security partnership, which comprises Australia, Britain, and the United States. South Korean Defense Minister Shin expressed Seoul’s interest in contributing to regional peace and stability through participation in the partnership, particularly in the Pillar 2 component focused on high-tech cooperation in areas such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
The AUKUS partnership, established in September 2021, has garnered attention in the region as a coalition aimed at countering China’s influence. Australian Defense Minister Marles emphasized the strategic alignment and shared values between Australia and South Korea, suggesting future opportunities for collaboration within AUKUS Pillar 2.
In addition to discussions on regional security cooperation, the ministers addressed the evolving military threats posed by North Korea. South Korean Defense Minister Shin highlighted the importance of enhancing joint military training and cooperation to address these threats, including efforts to block North Korea’s access to funding for illicit nuclear and missile development.
Australian Foreign Minister Wong condemned Russia’s provision of materials to Pyongyang in violation of UN sanctions resolutions, describing it as destabilizing to peace and security. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in addressing North Korea’s illegal activities, including arms trading between Russia and North Korea, and expressed support for efforts to improve human rights and achieve reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
Separate bilateral talks were also held between the respective counterparts, further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Australia and South Korea.
