Australia, South Korea sign $717M defense agreement

ANKARA (AA) - Australia and South Korea on Monday signed a defense agreement worth 1 billion Australian dollars ($717 million).

According to the new deal, South Korean defense company Hanwha will provide the Australian army artillery weapons, supply vehicles and radars.

The contract signing was witnessed by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and South Korea President Moon Jae-in, who is on a four-day visit to Canberra. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea is underpinned by our joint commitment to defense and security cooperation. The contract with Hanwha demonstrates the value of industrial collaboration in supporting our countries in addressing mutual security challenges,” Morrison said.

He added that the deal will create at least 300 jobs in Australia, where a division of Hanwha operates.

“The prime ability of the new vehicles is to fire and move quickly, avoiding enemy counter-attack. This project will mean a significant increase in the level of firepower and security for Australian artillery capability,” Australia's Defense Minister Peter Dutton said.

“We are committed to keeping our region safe, while protecting our interests in a rapidly changing global environment."

The defense contract comes after Australia recently announced a deal to build nuclear-powered submarines in a partnership, dubbed AUKUS, with the US and UK.

Moon said South Korea had similar values to Australia when it comes to its geopolitical outlook and peace in the Korean peninsula. He added that both the governments look forward to expand the existing bilateral cooperation.

Separately, Australia and South Korea agreed on work plans worth $100 million on clean energy technology and critical minerals for a "net zero emissions future."

Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the Low and Zero Emissions Technology Partnership would strengthen cooperation on low emissions technologies, which would be crucial to help Australia achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid​​​​​​​​​​​​​​