Seoul: The top diplomats of South Korea and Australia will convene later this week to discuss pressing issues, including enhancing defense cooperation and tackling supply chain instability amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as announced by the foreign ministry Monday. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to meet with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, for bilateral talks in Seoul on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions will focus on reaffirming commitments to jointly address challenges related to the Middle East situation and the global energy crisis. Both sides are set to explore ways to deepen their collaboration in the defense and defense industry sectors.

Wong's visit to South Korea is part of her three-nation tour across Asia, which includes stops in Japan and China. The Australian Embassy in Seoul revealed that her trip aims to strengthen relationships and bolster shared energy security with these countries, particularly as the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy markets.

"The Republic of Korea is one of Australia's most important sources of refined fuels, including diesel, automotive gasoline, and aviation fuel," Wong stated in the release. She emphasized Australia's commitment to working with international partners to secure essential supplies and ensure it remains a prioritized energy partner.

This upcoming meeting follows a phone conversation between Cho and Wong on March 16 and marks their first in-person talks since they met at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju last October.