Smith to discuss free trade with S Korea

Negotiating a free trade agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea will
be Foreign Minister Stephen Smith's focus during a visit to Seoul on Tuesday.
Mr Smith is making his second visit to the Korean capital since he was appointed
foreign minister in 2007.
He will meet President Lee Myung-bak, Prime Minister Chung Un-chan and senior
diplomats during his two-day visit.
Mr Smith said it was important to follow up Mr Lee's visit to Australia earlier this
year.
Korea was an important trading partner and Australia's third largest goods and
services export market, he said.
Mr Smith said he hoped to build on the Australia-Korea security co-operation
initiative launched in March.
Security issues would be on the agenda, particularly nuclear activity from North
Korea, he said.
"I will discuss Australia and Korea's common strategic interests with Korean
ministers," Mr Smith said.
"(This will include) stability on the Korean peninsula and its denuclearisation, the
further development of regional architecture and Korea's hosting of the G20 (Group
of 20) in 2010."