GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct 31 (NNN-YONHAP) – South Korea and New Zealand agreed to lift bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” according to the South Korean presidential office, yesterday.
The two sides reached the agreement between South Korean President, Lee Jae-myung, and New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering, here.
“New Zealand has become an important trading partner,” Lee said. “As the international order becomes more complex, I hope the two countries cooperate and support each other for joint development.”
Luxon said, the two countries are deepening ties under shared values in trade, security and people-to-people exchanges, noting that, South Korea is New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner.
South Korea and New Zealand established formal relations in 1962, and signed a free trade deal in 2015.– NNN-YONHAP
