The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will travel to the Republic of Korea and Japan for Defence Ministers' Meetings from 18 to 19 October.
While in Seoul, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterpart, Minister of National Defense, Shin Won-sik, and Republic of Korea National Security Advisor, Cho Tae-yong.
He will also participate in a panel discussion at the Seoul Defense Dialogue - an annual multilateral forum considering security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific and peace on the Korean peninsula - and deliver an address at the official dinner.
Australia and the Republic of Korea are comprehensive strategic partners and close friends, with a crucial relationship underpinned by shared interests, complementary economies and strong people-to-people links.
The Deputy Prime Minister will then travel to Tokyo on 19 October to meet Japanese Minister of Defense, Kihara Minoru and Japan's National Security Adviser, Akiba Takeo.
Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia, underscored by our Special Strategic Partnership and the updated Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC).
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"This is my second trip to Seoul this year, demonstrating the importance I ascribe to the Australia-Republic of Korea bilateral defence relationship. I look forward to meeting my new counterpart, Minister Shin Won-sik.
"The Australia-Japan defence partnership has never been stronger. In 2023, we have achieved entry into force of the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement and we are making great strides on our ambitious agenda to enhance operational cooperation."
