SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ON THE PROTECTION OF CLASSIFIED MILITARY INFORMATION

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today signed the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Classified Military Information.

Mr Fitzgibbon signed the Agreement with the Korean Minister of National Defense, General (Ret.) Lee Sang-Hee. The Agreement replaces an existing interim Arrangement signed in August 2008 and represents a significant step forward in the Defence relationship between Australia and the Republic of Korea. 

The Agreement allows classified military information to be exchanged securely between Australia and the Republic of Korea in support of bilateral Defence co-operation, particularly in areas of common interest such as our respective Airborne Early Warning and Control programs.

As noted in the 2009 Defence White Paper, Australia has a strong bilateral relationship with the Republic of Korea; one that reflects our mutual interests in regional stability and common alliance with the United States. 

Minister Fitzgibbon welcomed the signing of the Agreement.

“This Agreement builds upon the Joint Statement on Enhanced Global and Security Cooperation announced by Prime Minister Rudd and Republic of Korea President Lee on 5 March 2009, and reflects the growing strength of our bilateral Defence and security relationship,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Media Contacts:

Clare Enyi (Joel Fitzgibbon):           02 6277 7800 or 0404 893 565

Defence Media Liaison:                   02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664