S. Korea, Australia discuss enhanced military cooperation
Acting South Korean Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday discussed ways to enhance military cooperation, including collaboration in the defense industry, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.
During the conversation, Kim highlighted the significant progress in military and defense industry cooperation between the two nations and reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to further strengthening ties through joint exercises and high-level exchanges.
He also highlighted the significant growth in defense industry cooperation over the past three years and conveyed South Korea's continued interest in participating in Australia's military modernization projects.
The two reaffirmed that South Korea and Australia are key partners with shared values and interests and agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to advance their defense ties within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Since declaring a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 under the Moon Jae-in administration, South Korea and Australia have maintained close relations.
Notably, in 2023, Hanwha Aerospace's Australian subsidiary, Hanwha Defense Australia, signed a contract with the Australian Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group to export 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles, valued at $2.4 billion.
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