Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have decided to upgrade the bilateral relations between South Korea and New Zealand to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," as announced by the presidential office. The agreement was reached during summit talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the comprehensive strategic partnership signifies a high-level diplomatic relationship that includes cooperation across various areas such as the economy and security. President Lee highlighted the importance of New Zealand as a trading partner and noted the recent expansion of bilateral cooperation into the defense industry. He expressed hope for continued cooperation and mutual support amid a complex international order.
In response, Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged the strengthening ties between the two countries based on shared values in areas like trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized that South Korea is New Zealand's fifth-largest trading partner. The presidential office reported that both leaders agreed to enhance ties and explore new cooperation areas across three pillars: strategic and security, prosperity and innovation, and people and planet.
A joint statement from the leaders emphasized the increasing strategic and economic convergence between South Korea and New Zealand. It also underscored their commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity for the benefit of their peoples, the region, and the international community. The relationship between the two countries has been strengthening since formal relations were established in 1962, including the signing of a free trade deal in 2015.