Australia envoy, unification minister discuss inter-Korean ties

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, right, shake hands with Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Ministry of Unification

Korea’s unification minister urged Australian support for Seoul’s efforts to improve inter-Korean ties during a meeting with Canberra’s top envoy on Thursday, officials said.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met with Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson in Seoul, where the two discussed the security situation on the peninsula and avenues of cooperation regarding policy toward Pyongyang.

Chung explained Seoul’s current policy line, which emphasizes building trust between the two Koreas and fostering peaceful coexistence. He told Robinson that restarting dialogue remains a central priority for the government and asked for Australia’s cooperation and support in the process of advancing inter-Korean relations.

Robinson welcomed the explanation, stressing that Korea’s efforts to ease tensions and pursue peaceful coexistence “serve not only regional stability and peace, but also Australia’s interests.” He voiced Canberra’s firm backing for Seoul’s approach to North Korea and unification.

Australia has long been a supporter of peace and stability on the peninsula, contributing troops during the 1950-53 Korean War and maintaining diplomatic engagement since. In recent years, Canberra has also joined international sanctions and nonproliferation efforts aimed at curbing Pyongyang’s weapons programs, while supporting multilateral coordination with allies and partners.

The ministry said both sides agreed to maintain close communication on steps to reduce tensions and promote peace on the peninsula. Officials noted that Seoul views cooperation with like-minded countries such as Australia as essential in sustaining momentum for dialogue with the North.