Lee, Australian PM agree to strengthen cooperation in defense, arms, critical minerals
During the 15-minute call, the first between the two leaders since Lee took office last week, Lee noted that the two countries have worked together as comprehensive strategic partners to bring stability and prosperity to the international community, spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said during a press briefing.
The two leaders particularly noted ongoing cooperation in defense, arms, clean energy and critical minerals sectors, and agreed to further strengthen such cooperation, she said.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation for actual progress on the North Korean nuclear issue while working together for a successful summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, later this year.
Kang added that the two agreed to meet in person in the future to discuss specific areas of cooperation that will help further strengthen bilateral relations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Informa Markets to Host Vitafoods Asia 2025 Fueling the Growth of Asia's Nutraceutical Industry
BANGKOK, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Informa Markets will host Vitafoods Asia 2025 from 17–19 September 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. The event will play a key role in advancing Thailand's food and nutraceutical industries, aligning with the region's growing shift toward preventive healthcare and wellness. According to Market Minds Advisory, the Asia-Pacific nutraceutical market is projected to reach USD 176.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8%. "The rapid growth of the food supplements and nutraceutical sector is fueled by rising consumer health awareness, especially around non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions," said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets. Asia's consumers are increasingly seeking solutions for immunity, weight control, and holistic health. Functional beverages, such as protein and probiotic drinks, are gaining traction—especially among younger demographics. Industry players are focusing on R&D for new technologies and natural ingredients like turmeric, green tea, and herbs. Meanwhile, digital platforms and e-commerce are broadening market reach and offering personalized experiences. "This shift toward preventive healthcare is driving strong demand for functional foods and supplements, paving the way for growth across health food, supplement, and nutritional technology sectors," added Rungphech. What to expect at Vitafoods Asia 2025 Vitafoods Asia 2025 will be a strategic platform for innovation, networking, and global market access. Featuring over 650 leading brands and welcoming more than 13,000 visitors from 38 countries, the event will connect the entire supply chain—from raw ingredients to OEM/ODM services and finished products. Key highlights include: Voices of Supporters and Exhibitors Prof. (Research) Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit, President of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), emphasized the importance of adding value to food supplements through research on Thai ingredients. The agency is compiling a positive list of approved functional ingredients, supporting product development aligned with international standards. "This list will enhance product credibility, ensure consumer safety, and position Thai supplements for global competitiveness," said Dr. Chutima. Mr. Nakah Thawichawatt, Chairman of the Food Supplement Industry Group, Federation of Thai Industries, reaffirmed the sector's potential and the FTI's commitment to elevating industry standards and consumer confidence. Dr. Pat Ekpanyaskun, CEO of Nutrition SC Public Company Limited, praised Vitafoods Asia as a key opportunity to raise brand visibility, build networks, and scale across domestic and global markets. Ms. Jeannie Kwa, Senior HCP Marketing Manager, APAC, from Kaneka Corporation, added that health ageing and longevity are among the fastest-growing categories. Ingredients like NAD+, senolytics, Omega-3, Vitamin D, and collagen are leading product innovation. Pre-registration is now open Vitafoods Asia 2025 will take place from 17–19 September 2025, Level LG, QSNCC, Bangkok. You can secure the privileges by pre-registering to attend at About Informa Markets Vitafoods is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Its portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. Informa Markets provides customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, the company brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive, 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit
Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Korea Herald
FM holds 1st phone talks with Australian counterpart
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held telephone talks with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, the foreign ministry said, marking their first phone conversation since Cho took office. During the call, Cho stressed that the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June has helped further deepen the two countries' ties, according to the ministry. Cho also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Australia during last week's visit by a special delegation from Seoul. He called for continued high-level exchanges and enhanced multidimensional cooperation between the two nations. The special envoys, led by former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, delivered Lee's message in their meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Wong. In response, Wong reaffirmed that South Korea is one of Australia's key partners and expressed hope to meet with Cho in person at the earliest opportunity to maintain close communication and strengthen strategic collaboration, it added. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
8 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Opposition party urges review of West Sea wind projects over Chinese ties
The main opposition People Power Party has urged the government to review two large-scale offshore wind farm projects in the West Sea, warning that the involvement of Chinese companies could pose potential threats to South Korea's national security. In a statement released Friday, the party's spokesperson Lee Jun-woo referenced news reports that China Communications Construction Co. brought together subcontractors and suppliers in June to procure materials for the Yeonggwang Nakwol offshore wind farm project in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province. 'CCCC has close ties with Shandong Marine Group, which was involved in installing illegal large-scale structures in the Provisional Measures Zone between Korea and China in the West Sea,' Lee said. 'Why should we entrust our offshore wind power projects to companies linked to security threats in such a sensitive area?' The Nakwol project is a 2.3 trillion won ($1.66 billion) project currently under construction. It is expected to generate 364 megawatts of electricity annually once completed in June 2026 — enough to power approximately 25,000 households per year. The party had already raised concerns on July 15 over the involvement of China Energy Engineering Corp. in the project's engineering, procurement and construction phase. Lee also pointed out that CEEC is involved in another nearby offshore wind project, the Hanbit offshore wind power project. It is designed to generate 334 megawatts and is slated to begin construction in 2027. He warned that sensitive maritime information could potentially be gathered through power-generating components if contractors install sensors. Under Chinese law, individuals and organizations are obligated to cooperate with the government's data collection efforts, making the submission of such information effectively unavoidable, he added. 'There are concerns that Korea's maritime security could collapse if we give ground to China under the guise of wind power projects,' said Lee. 'Chinese participation in local offshore wind farms should not be permitted until Korea's security concerns are fully addressed.'
