WORLD> Asia-Pacific
S.Korea and Australia to launch FTA talks
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-11 14:23

SEOUL -- South Korea and Australia agreed on Monday to launch preparatory talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) to promote bilateral economical and commercial cooperation, the South Korean Presidential Office said.

 

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (R) and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Michel Rudd talk as they head for their luncheon meeting at the presidential Blue House in Seoul August 11, 2008. [Agencies]

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak stressed his wish to enhance cooperation with Australia in the fields of mineral resources and energy, the Presidential Office said after Lee held a meeting with visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Presidential Office.

Lee also asked for Rudd's support for South Korean enterprises operating in Australia, the Presidential Office said at a news release.

The two leaders also agreed to open discussions on widening bilateral relations to include security and defense issues, said the news release.

Australia is Korea's biggest trading and investment partner in the mineral resource sector.

Rudd arrived in South Korea on Sunday for a two-day official visit.