Seoul, 10 December 2021 (TDI): The inaugural dialogue on the Australia-Republic of Korea (ROK) Cyber and Critical Technology Policy Dialogue was virtually held on 9 December 2021.
The dialogue was held subsequent to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation. The MoU was signed between the respective Foreign Ministries on 13 September 2021. Currently, Australia and Korea are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The relations between the two partners are reinforced by complementary economies, shared values and interests, and strong people-to-people links. The two also share the common goal of achieving an inclusive, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
During the online dialogue, the two partners reaffirmed their commitment to secure, open, stable, peaceful, and accessible cyberspace that will be based on shared democratic values for the attainment of common goals of prosperity and security.
In addition, the two pledged to work jointly for the promotion of security and peace in cyberspace as per the existing international law. This includes non-voluntary and voluntary binding norms of responsible state behavior, cooperative capacity-building measures, and practical confidence-building measures.
The two sides also discussed a comprehensive content of critical and cyber technology issues, including bilateral cooperation to build capacity across the region as well as raise awareness along with enhancing information sharing.
Moreover, both countries acquiesced to work together for coordination of outcomes for capacity building in multilateral platforms.
Furthermore, the two agreed to share information on issues of mutual interest, including supporting critical technology standards, cybercrime investigations, and engagement with the academia and private sector.
During the meeting, Australia and Korea acknowledged the significance of cooperation in the technology industry to assure the deployment, design, and use of resilient and secure technology in the region.
The participants further underscored the need to formulate linkages between the government, academia, and private sector for the advancement of development and research on critical and cyber technology problems.
The Australian delegation was led by Dr. Tobias Feakin, the Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.
Whilst Ambassador for International Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs South Korea, Lee Choong-myon led the Korean delegation.
