S. Korea, Australia agree to expand defense, supply chain cooperation

VIENTIANE, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held talks Friday to discuss cooperation in defense, the arms industry and supply chains, Yoon's office said.

Yoon and Albanese met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit, attended by the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and eight other nations, including the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and India.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to expanding the bilateral partnership beyond traditional economic cooperation, with a focus on defense, the arms industry and supply chains, the office said.

During the talks, Yoon highlighted South Korean companies' interest in Australia's frigate procurement program and requested Canberra's support in this regard, it noted.

They agreed to meet again at the earliest possible opportunity to continue discussions on issues of mutual interest.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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