Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese engaged in discussions on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening partnerships in critical minerals during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting took place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. President Lee expressed his desire to deepen bilateral ties with Australia, referring to Prime Minister Albanese as a "close neighbor or a close friend." Lee highlighted the importance of forging a "special" partnership amid the complex global landscape. He also acknowledged Australia's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, mentioning the soldiers buried at the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan, where Albanese had paid his respects the previous day.
Prime Minister Albanese responded by expressing hope for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defense and critical minerals. He mentioned his visit to POSCO's Pohang Steelworks, Australia's largest customer, and noted the significant investments by South Korean firms in lithium, critical minerals, and rare earths in Australia. Albanese emphasized the long-standing ties between the two nations, recalling Australia's role in the Korean War and reaffirming support for South Korea in addressing North Korean provocations and threats.