1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun met with Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Republic of Korea James Choi on the morning of September 28 and extensively exchanged views on the ROK-Australia relations, COVID-19 response and regional affairs.

2. The two sides shared the view that the ROK-Australia relations have been developing in various areas, and, in particular, voiced hope that post-COVID-19 cooperation would deepen in environment-friendly economic areas, including those related to the utilization and supply of hydrogen.

3. Vice Minister Choi conveyed hope that, while the two countries respond to COVID-19 in close collaboration, bilateral cooperation, including their participation in the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility and private companies’ joint project for vaccine development, would produce successful results.

4. The two sides drew a common understanding that the ROK and Australia, two traditional friends, should engage in active communication on the situation in the region, including the Korean Peninsula, and other bilateral issues.