Korea, New Zealand seek to expand ties

South Korea and New Zealand on Monday agreed to further expand their bilateral relationship and step up regional cooperation on security and economic issues. 

During their meeting, President Lee Myung-bak and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key discussed how they would pursue a free trade agreement that would help further enhance bilateral trade.

“They reaffirmed their expectation to conclude the Korea-New Zealand FTA as early as possible. Both recognized the mutual benefits in working closely together toward enhanced trade and economic links and the opportunities existing for new trade in both directions,” the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said.

In particular, the leaders sought ways to increase exchange in the areas of information technology and communications, in addition to energy and natural resources. 

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key delivers a speech with business leaders in Seoul on Monday. Yonhap News