Visit to Singapore, Korea, Japan
I will visit Singapore, Korea and Japan from 20-23 May to advance Australia's strategic and economic interests with our important regional partners.
In Singapore, I will meet with Prime Minister Lee and Foreign Minister Shanmugam to discuss our joint strategy to enhance our security, economic and people-to-people cooperation.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence and the 50th anniversary of Australian-Singapore relations. To mark these occasions, I will formally open a koala exhibit at Singapore Zoo, with four koalas gifted to Singapore for the commemorative year. I will also launch "50 Bridges", a programme of events to promote Australian arts, cultural and community interests in Singapore.
In South Korea, I will attend the annual MIKTA meeting of foreign ministers from Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia. The meeting will enhance cooperation on countering terrorism and foreign fighters, address cyber security threats and advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
I will also meet with President Park Geun‑hye and Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se to discuss the Australia-Korea FTA ratified last December as well as ways to enhance our ties with South Korea, a key strategic partner in Asia and our third-largest export market, valued at over $20 billion.
In Japan, I will attend the seventh Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM) to be hosted by Prime Minister Abe. This meeting will bring together Pacific Island leaders in Fukushima to discuss challenges facing our region, including disaster risk reduction and strengthening economic ties.
I also look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Abe and my counterpart, Foreign Minister Kishida, to discuss our strategic partnership and capitalise on the gains already made by the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, which is already benefiting Australian consumers and exporters.