Korea, NZ to work together in Antarctica

President Moon Jae-in delivers his opening speech at the start of a dinner meeting with South Korean residents living New Zealand, at the Auckland Cordis Hotel Monday night. Yonhap

eGate will open to Korean travelers

By Kim Yoo-chul

AUCKLAND, New Zealand ― President Moon Jae-in and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have agreed for their countries to work together in Antarctica and collaborate on innovative science and technology.

"South Korea will work together with New Zealand for research-related programs in Antarctica because we are seeing increased activity there," Moon said at a joint press conference. "Given New Zealand's stronger scientific, political, economic and strategic interests in Antarctica, the agreement will help South Korea provide advanced technologies in assisting various Antarctica programs."

In 2014, South Korea built Jang Bogo Station at Terra Nova Bay and the country plans to mobilize more resources to increase its presence on the southern continent. New Zealand is one of seven countries that has made significant contributions to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959.

The treaty promotes international scientific cooperation, making Antarctica a "continent for peace and science." But the treaty system is facing big challenges such as resource scarcity with the increased interest in the continent by Asian countries such as South Korea. Moon is pursuing his New Southern Policy, a move aimed at expanding diplomatic diversification.

President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook are greeted by invited South Korean residents living in New Zealand at the start of a dinner meeting with them at the Auckland Cordis Hotel on Monday night (KST). Yonhap

During the press conference, Moon also welcomed New Zealand's decision to introduce the automatic eGate passport control system for incoming South Korean travelers.

"Thanks to the decision, South Koreans will enhance their understanding of New Zealand's culture ― and vice versa," Moon said, adding that New Zealand is home to vibrant Korean communities, with some 35,000 Koreans, including ethnic Koreans, living in the country.

The eGate system is available at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown international airports for arriving and departing passengers. It uses biometrics to match the picture in an ePassport with the image it takes of the person at the gate.

"We've also discussed plans for improving bilateral relations," Moon said. "South Korea is eyeing a deal with New Zealand to help South Koreans living here to get more tax breaks and even pension benefits. Signing a working-holiday program is one of them. We will be working on it."

Mentioning a free-trade deal the countries signed in 2015, Moon said South Korea plans to increase its imports of agricultural and fishery products.

South Korea is New Zealand's fifth-largest trading partner. Imports from New Zealand include industrial goods, forestry products, dairy, beef and lamb. Exports to the southern country include oil products, cars and electronics.

Ardern said she shared Moon's commitment to maintaining peace, prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"In particular, New Zealand welcomed South Korea's efforts toward resolving the long-standing challenges on the Korean Peninsula," she said.

Moon arrived at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, on the outskirts of Seoul, late Tuesday, after wrapping up his visits to the Czech Republic, Argentina and New Zealand.

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