South Korea and Australia Sign Energy Security Deal

South Korea and Australia have agreed to work together to strengthen the resilience of energy supply chains and ensure stable supplies, the South Korean foreign ministry announced following talks in Seoul with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

The two countries adopted a joint declaration on energy security, pledging to work "preemptively" to strengthen supply stability, including securing reliable supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Wong, who also visited Japan and China during her trip, highlighted the impact of the Middle East crisis on the region. She said Asia was disproportionately affected, particularly by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Australia is a key energy partner for South Korea, serving as its largest supplier of LNG and a major exporter of other energy commodities. Australia also reaffirmed its readiness to remain a reliable supplier of energy, food and other commodities to South Korea.

(reuters, bak)