Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald

Minister Payne will meet with Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon and Minister for National Defense, Song Young-moo, in Seoul on 7 September to further enhance our bilateral relationship with the Republic of Korea, Australia’s fourth largest trading partner, and advance our broader security and defence interests in the region.

Minister Payne will also meet with General Vincent Brooks, Commander United Nations Command, US Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command, to discuss security on the Korean peninsula.

Minister Payne will deliver the keynote address at the 6^th Seoul Defense Dialogue, where defence officials from 38 countries and international organisations will attend the three-day dialogue.

“The Seoul Defense Dialogue provides a timely opportunity for high-level discussions of global and regional strategic challenges. I am honoured to deliver this year’s keynote address,” Minister Payne said.

On Friday 8 September, Minister Payne will travel to the Philippines, to meet with her counterpart, Secretary of National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana. Minister Payne will discuss the security situation in the southern Philippines with Secretary Lorenzana and Australian assistance in the Philippines’ fight against Daesh in Marawi. Minister Payne will also meet with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Jesus Dureza to discuss the Government of the Philippines’ efforts to bring about peace and long-term stability to the southern Philippines.

“Australia’s defence relationship with the Philippines spans decades, and is underpinned by a comprehensive Defence Cooperation Program. The spread of Daesh is threat to regional stability and we are committed to supporting the Philippines in its fight against terrorism. My meeting with my counterpart, Secretary Lorenzana, will discuss how Australia can provide further support in this fight against Daesh-aligned forces,” Minister Payne said.