한-호 수교 60주년 기념 스콧 모리슨 총리 담화

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

As we mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Republic of Korea, we celebrate the enduring friendship between our peoples and the bonds between our nations.

Ours is a deep and historic relationship – underpinned by shared liberal democratic values, common strategic interests, strong economic ties, and extensive community links.

Our ties were forged during the Korean War, when more than 17,000 Australians fought to defend the democracy and freedom of the Republic of Korea. Tragically, 340 lost their lives. 

Australia was proud to be the second nation – after only the United States – to come to Korea’s aid in those dark days. And we’re proud to have contributed to Korea’s rapid economic growth in the years since, just as Korea has contributed to our own prosperity. 

Today, our countries are closer than ever, and Australia’s multicultural society benefits enormously from the more than 100,000 people living here who have Korean heritage.

Of course, the past year has been a very hard one for both our countries, and for the world.

But we can be proud of our respective efforts in managing the virus, and the economic fallout. In fact, Australia and the Republic of Korea were the only two countries at the G7 Plus Summit earlier this month whose economies are larger now than before the pandemic.

This reflects our strength and resilience, as well as our mutually beneficial partnership.

I enjoyed a very productive meeting with President Moon in the margins of the Summit to further strengthen the deep partnership between our two nations, including by elevating our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

This is a partnership which is already thriving.

Our countries have complementary economies with deep trade, investment, tourism and education links.

We’re also cooperating on science and innovation, including by pursuing a low emissions technology partnership to drive ambitious and effective action on climate change. 

And we’re working in partnership to support a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

On this milestone anniversary, I honour the longstanding ties between Australia and the Republic of Korea, and I look forward to deepening our friendship in the years ahead.

We have worked together for 60 years and more, and I have no doubt our relationship will continue to go from strength to strength.

감사합니다 – thank you.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP

Prime Minister of Australia