South Korean, Australian leaders vow to strengthen ties in defense, critical minerals sectors

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung spoke by phone with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense, arms, and critical minerals, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Lee's spokesperson.

This was the first telephonic conversation between the two leaders since President Lee took office last week.

Lee and Albanese also agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation to make actual progress on the North Korean nuclear issue, as well as to collaborate on a successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, later this year, according to the news agency.