Manila: South Korea conducted foreign ministers' talks with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in Manila to discuss enhancing cooperation in economic security, energy, defense, and strategic sectors amid geopolitical uncertainties, as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings. The discussions focused on advancing comprehensive strategic partnerships and expanding practical cooperation across various fields, including defense, arms industry, energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence (AI).
In talks with Canada, Cho and Anand agreed to deepen energy security cooperation and critical mineral supply chains, highlighting imports of Canadian crude oil and LNG. They also explored expanding AI research collaboration. Cho acknowledged South Korea's defense contributions to NATO member states, and both ministers vowed to enhance bilateral defense industry cooperation.
Cho emphasized South Korean investments in Canada's strategic industries and urged Canada's support for these businesses. The ministers also pledged to maintain close cooperation on regional and global issues, such as Middle East developments and the Ukraine conflict.
In discussions with Australia, Cho agreed to bolster energy cooperation, referencing a joint statement on energy and resource security signed in April. He sought Australia's continued support for stable energy resource supplies, noting Australia's role as South Korea's largest LNG supplier. Both sides committed to maintaining communication through high-level channels.
Talks with New Zealand's Peters underscored the importance of bilateral coordination amid global uncertainties. The ministers agreed to strengthen defense cooperation and maintain active high-level exchanges. Cho and his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand exchanged views on developments in the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific region.