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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. | |
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 focus | Security 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. |