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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles will travel to the Republic of Korea and Japan for the Defence Ministers’ Meetings from 18 to 19 October.
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As part of the Korean leg of this regional tour, Defence Minister Marles will meet his counterpart, Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik, and Republic of Korea National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong.
Defence Minister Marles will also participate in a panel discussion at the Seoul Defense Dialogue – an annual multilateral forum considering security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific and peace on the Korean peninsula – and deliver an address at the official dinner.
Marles highlighted the importance of the Australia–Korea strategic relationship, saying, “This is my second trip to Seoul this year, demonstrating the importance I ascribe to the Australia–Republic of Korea bilateral defence relationship. I look forward to meeting my new counterpart, Minister Shin Won-sik.”
Australia and the Republic of Korea are comprehensive strategic partners and close friends, with a crucial relationship underpinned by shared interests, complementary economies, and strong people-to-people links.
Following the visit to Korea, Defence Minister Marles will travel to Tokyo on 19 October to meet Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Japan’s National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo.
Defence Minister Marles added, “The Australia–Japan defence partnership has never been stronger. In 2023, we have achieved entry into force of the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement and we are making great strides on our ambitious agenda to enhance operational cooperation.”
Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia, underscored by our Special Strategic Partnership and the updated Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC).
