Australia, RoK adopt joint statement on comprehensive strategic partnership
Huu Tien, VOV correspondence in Australia -
(VOVWORLD) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and South Korean President Moon Jae-in gave a statement after summit talks on Monday in which both sides agreed that the strong strategic, economic and people-to-people ties that have developed between the two countries are not only of mutual benefit, but contribute to their common vision of an open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Australia and the RoK recognize that the stability of the Indo-Pacific depends on adherence to international law in the maritime domain, including in the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam). The two leaders underscored that disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
They reaffirmed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and over-flight and agreed to strengthen coordination to uphold these principles, which must not be undermined in the context of increasing risks of instability in the maritime domain, according to the statement.
They further announced they would explore a package of cyber and critical technology initiatives to support Southeast Asia’s digital revolution, and welcomed the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding on a Digital Cooperation Initiative in Southeast Asia.
Huu Tien, VOV correspondence in Australia