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Seoul, Canberra sign defence pact Seoul, Canberra sign defence pact
(10 minutes later)
Australia and South Korea are to cooperate more closely on defence issues, including terrorism, non-proliferation and military exchanges.Australia and South Korea are to cooperate more closely on defence issues, including terrorism, non-proliferation and military exchanges.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the pact in Canberra.South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the pact in Canberra.
Mr Rudd called on North Korea to cease its "threatening language" and return to international talks aimed at ending its nuclear programme.Mr Rudd called on North Korea to cease its "threatening language" and return to international talks aimed at ending its nuclear programme.
Mr Lee has visited New Zealand and will visit Indonesia after Australia. Mr Lee has visited New Zealand and will
visit Indonesia after Australia.
On both stops of his tour so far he has spoken of the need to guard against trade protectionism.On both stops of his tour so far he has spoken of the need to guard against trade protectionism.
Agreements have been reached for talks on free trade deals to begin with both New Zealand and Australia.Agreements have been reached for talks on free trade deals to begin with both New Zealand and Australia.
Security focusSecurity focus
Referring to the security pact with Australia, Mr Lee recalled that Australian troops had fought alongside South Koreans in the 1950-1953 Korean War.Referring to the security pact with Australia, Mr Lee recalled that Australian troops had fought alongside South Koreans in the 1950-1953 Korean War.
"Compared to 50 years ago, the distance between Korea and Australia really is not a matter that will keep us away from each other," Mr Lee said."Compared to 50 years ago, the distance between Korea and Australia really is not a matter that will keep us away from each other," Mr Lee said.
"I believe that when we have a future-oriented relationship, security issues must also be discussed and through such cooperation in the security area, we can ensure the peace and security of the region," he added."I believe that when we have a future-oriented relationship, security issues must also be discussed and through such cooperation in the security area, we can ensure the peace and security of the region," he added.
The security pact aims to increase cooperation on terrorism, drug smuggling and piracy, as well as people and weapons trafficking.The security pact aims to increase cooperation on terrorism, drug smuggling and piracy, as well as people and weapons trafficking.
It involves more joint military training exercises, and an agreement to share classified military information safely.It involves more joint military training exercises, and an agreement to share classified military information safely.
South Korea and Australia will "continue to expand cooperation on global disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery", a joint statement said.South Korea and Australia will "continue to expand cooperation on global disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery", a joint statement said.
Concern persists around the region that North Korea could be preparing to test-fire a long-range missile.Concern persists around the region that North Korea could be preparing to test-fire a long-range missile.