Fed: Sth Korean Foreign Minister to visit

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2004
Fed: Sth Korean Foreign Minister to visit

CANBERRA, Aug 28 AAP - South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon is due to arrive in
Australia today for talks focusing on North Korea's nuclear ambitions, the war against
terrorism and trade.

Mr Ban, who is also Trade Minister, will be in Australia for four days, after a visit
to New Zealand.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said he would discuss his recent visit to the North
Korean capital Pyongyang with Mr Ban, among other issues associated with tensions on the
Korean peninsula.

"North Korea's nuclear ambitions are a key issue for our region," Mr Downer said in a statement.

"Australia strongly supports the six-party talks focused on achieving a nuclear-free
Korean peninsula and in which South Korea has an important role."

Mr Downer said trade was a key pillar of the relationship between South Korea and Australia.

"Last year, South Korea was our fifth largest export market, our third largest source
of overseas students and our sixth largest trading partner overall," he said.

"Australia's already significant trade with South Korea in energy resources such as
coal and LNG is expanding rapidly as the South Korean economy and its demand for energy
continues to grow."

Mr Downer said Mr Ban would also meet Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane to sign a bilateral
agreement on cooperation in the fields of energy and mineral resources.

AAP dep/lb

KEYWORD: KOREA AUST

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