By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul had a telephone conversation with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on Jan. 25 to exchange greetings, Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Soosuk Lim said in a press briefing.

Over the phone, the two Foreign Ministers discussed Korea-Australia relations, cooperation on the defense industry, and regional and global issues, among others. They noted with appreciation that their two countries have built a strong and close partnership based on their “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho will visit Maritime Battle Group 2 of the Republic of Korea Navy in Pyeongtaek on Jan. 29 to extend encouragement to service members.

The unit carries out maritime operations to safeguard the ROK’s Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea. During the visit, Foreign Minister Cho will convey appreciation to the service members for their devotion to national security.

Minister Cho will also visit the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) on Jan. 30 as part of activities for economic diplomacy designed to improve communications with business circles.

Foreign Minister Cho will meet with Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik and Executive Vice-Chairman Lee Dong-geun of the KEF to listen to difficulties and suggestions of the Korean business circle, and discuss ways to reinforce cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to strengthen communication with business groups and step up its support activities for enterprises in the era of economic security.

 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also plans to hold meetings of heads of its diplomatic missions in different regions to ensure the safety of Korean vessels and nationals overseas.

In the meeting to be held in Dakar, Senegal, on January 29, the heads of the diplomatic missions in the Gulf of Guinea region will discuss ways to bolster maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea ahead of the busy fishing season in order to protect Korean vessels and nationals.

At their meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 1, the mission heads to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region will focus on safety measures to protect Korean vessels from lately ongoing attacks by Yemeni Houthis on vessels and piracy threats in the Gulf of Aden region.

The meetings will bring together Government Representative for Korean Nationals Overseas Protection and Consular Affairs Hong Seok-in, the heads of the Korean diplomatic missions in the aforementioned regions, and officials of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and other relevant government agencies.