S. Korea, Australia vow to cooperate in combating financial crisis

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Australian
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd vowed Wednesday to reinforce bilateral policy
cooperation in fighting the global financial crisis, the presidential office
said.
The two leaders made the pledge during a 15-minute telephone conversation, the
office said in a brief statement.
"Rudd telephoned Lee at 6:30 p.m. (Korean time) for discussions on closer
cooperation between South Korea and Australia in overcoming the world financial
turmoil," the statement said.
The two leaders also shared the view that all countries across the world should
expand fiscal investments and make other concerted efforts to stimulate the
global economy.
In addition, the two leaders agreed to accelerate bilateral negotiations on a
free trade agreement, according to the statement.
Lee and Rudd held summit talks in August in Seoul, where they agreed to upgrade
practical economic and commercial cooperation and open preparatory talks on a
two-way free trade agreement. The preparatory FTA talks kicked off last week.
ycm@yna.co.kr
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