Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Lee seeks stronger ties with Australia, South African in summit talks
President Lee Jae-myung talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a bilateral talk at a hotel in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, Monday (local time). Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
President invites Australian PM to APEC summit
CALGARY, Canada — President Lee Jae-myung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to cooperate in defense and clean energy sectors on Monday (local time).
Lee had a bilateral summit with the Australian leader on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Canada. They earlier had a phone call.
Lee began by thanking Albanese for his congratulations on his inauguration and extended his own congratulations on the Australian prime minister's recent election victory and the launch of his second-term Cabinet, the presidential office said.
Lee also highlighted Australia’s role as a key ally that fought alongside South Korea during the Korean War, highlighting that the two countries are further building their relations today as "comprehensive strategic partners” to promote regional and global stability and prosperity.
Albanese emphasized that South Korea and Australia enjoy deep-rooted trust and solidarity, and that cooperation is actively advancing in various fields, including defense and security, clean energy and supply chains for critical minerals. He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening these partnerships.
"In the Korea-Australia summit, the two countries, as comprehensive strategic partners, discussed the potential for resource diplomacy. Lee invited Albanese to the APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju, Korea, later this year, and Albanese responded he would attend," Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson of the presidential office, said during a press briefing held in Calgary.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance communication and cooperation to make tangible progress for peace on the Korean Peninsula regarding the North Korean nuclear issue.
President Lee Jae-myung shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a summit at a hotel in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, Monday (local time). Joint Press Corps
Lee also had a summit with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
South Africa is among the non-G7 countries invited to this year’s G7 Summit, along with Korea, India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Ukraine.
During the meeting, Lee noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, South Korea and South Africa, a Korean War ally, have steadily strengthened cooperation across various sectors. He proposed continued close collaboration to further expand substantive cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment and energy.
Ramaphosa congratulated Lee on the launch of Korea’s new administration and emphasized that South Korea and South Africa are valuable partners united by shared democratic values. He expressed hope for even stronger bilateral cooperation in political and economic fields moving forward, according to Lee's office.
"Ramaphosa invited Lee to attend the G20 Johannesburg Summit, which South Africa is assuming presidency this year," Kang said. "Lee expressed his respect for Nelson Mandela and noted that he was aware Ramaphosa had once chaired the committee for Mandela’s release. He also remarked that both leaders had overcome significant challenges to achieve what they have today."
Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson of the presidential office, speaks during a press briefing held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Monday (local time). Yonhap
Lee added that just as Korea overcame colonial rule and military dictatorship, South Africa had also overcome hardships such as apartheid, emphasizing that besides physical distance, there are no real obstacles between the two nations.
"Ramaphosa agreed, saying that what matters is not distance but determination, and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Korea–South Africa cooperation," Kang added.
The Korean president also highlighted South Africa’s position as the largest economy in Africa and a critical gateway for Korea’s engagement with the continent. In particular, he requested the South African government’s support and interest in Korean companies operating in sectors such as energy and manufacturing within the country.