Top diplomats of Korea, Australia agree to expand cooperation in Indo-Pacific strategies

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, left, poses for a photo with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, during their bilateral talks in Melbourne, Australia, on May 1, in this photo provided by Cho's office. Yonhap

The top diplomats of Korea and Australia agreed Wednesday to seek tangible ways that can further advance the common agendas related to their Indo-Pacific strategies, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reached the agreement in the bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, in Melbourne, where Cho has been this week to attend the "two plus two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers.

"The two ministers shared the understanding that their countries are pivotal partners in the drive for the Indo-Pacific strategies and agreed to explore ways for substantive cooperation at the multidimensional levels, bilaterally and minilaterally," Cho's office said in a release.

Korea and Australia have announced their own policy initiatives on the Indo-Pacific, considered a key strategic region by both countries.

In the talks, Cho called Australia a country that "shares a strategic perspective" with Korea at regional and international stages and took note of the relations as a "comprehensive strategic partner" that his country has closely worked with in many areas.

Wong stressed the importance of the two countries coordinating on regional, as well as global challenges, as like-minded countries.

The two sides agreed to continue close communications, including high-level talks. (Yonhap)