By Lee Jon Young

resident Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on July 11 to discuss measures for enhancing stability and substantial cooperation in the supply chain within the Indo-Pacific region, a key partner for both countries.

During the summit meeting, which took place on the occasion of President Yoon's participation in the NATO Summit, the two leaders agreed to further develop the cooperation between their countries as universal values-sharing nations that uphold freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

Acknowledging that bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled since the enactment of the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2015, the two leaders recognized the need to expand substantive cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. 
They also decided to closely collaborate in utilizing the supply chain cooperation mechanism of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to enhance digital trade and maintain stability in the regional supply chain. 

Furthermore, they pledged support for expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, including working holiday programs, student exchanges, and tourism.

President Yoon expressed gratitude for New Zealand's long-standing friendship and solidarity in safeguarding South Korea's freedom and peace over the past 70 years, and conveyed his appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of New Zealand veterans on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement. 

Prime Minister Hipkins also expressed his special regard for the history of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Prime Minister Hipkins congratulated the successful holding of the Korea-Pacific Alliance Summit Meeting in May, emphasizing that New Zealand would contribute to peace in the Indo-Pacific region by closely coordinating with Korea. 

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen solidarity and cooperation based on shared values, such as providing support to Ukraine as a NATO partner country.

President Yoon requested support and interest in the 2030 Busan Expo, which he described as a solution platform for global challenges facing humanity, such as the climate crisis, digital divide, and global South issues. Prime Minister Hipkins assured that New Zealand would take Korea's request into consideration.

President Yoon extended his well wishes for the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia this summer, while Prime Minister Hipkins expressed gratitude and expressed anticipation for the achievements of the Korean team.