1. On Thursday morning, December 12, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Australia held the "ROK-Australia Indo-Pacific Dialogue" (hereinafter referred to as the "Dialogue") at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ROK was represented by Ms. Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Special Representative for Indo-Pacific, while Australia was represented by Dr. Peter Sawczak, First Assistant Secretary of the Geostrategy and Partnerships Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
2. During the Dialogue, both countries shared their assessments of the situation in the Indo-Pacific and agreed to cooperate closely on shared interests, including their engagement with countries of the Global South. The two nations reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based order and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, which is critical for peace and prosperity not only in the region but also in the international community.
3. Separately, the second ROK-Japan-Australia Indo-Pacific Dialogue was held on the same day with the participation of Ms. Choi Soonhee, Deputy Director-General for Strategy and Policy Planning from the ROK, Mr. Yamamoto Mondo, Ambassador in charge of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) from Japan, and Dr. Peter Sawczak from Australia. During this meeting, the three countries shared their assessments of the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and exchanged views on potential areas of trilateral cooperation, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, focusing on fields such as maritime security and development cooperation.
※ The first ROK-Japan-Australia Indo-Pacific Dialogue was held on Wednesday, June 12, in Canberra, Australia.
4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to expand and strengthen strategic communication channels with like-minded countries to ensure regional and international stability and prosperity.