Media Release
The inaugural Australia-Republic of Korea (ROK) Cyber and Critical Technology Policy Dialogue was held virtually on 9 December 2021. The Dialogue was held under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation, signed by Foreign Ministers on 13 September 2021.
Australia and the ROK are currently celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Our relations are underpinned by shared values and interests, complementary economies and strong people-to-people links. We both seek to support an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Australia and the ROK reaffirmed their commitment to an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful cyberspace, based on shared democratic values to achieve common goals of security and prosperity.
Australia and the ROK reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and security in cyberspace based on existing international law, voluntary and non-binding norms of responsible state behaviour, practical confidence building measures, and cooperative capacity building measures.
The two sides discussed a wide range of cyber and critical technology issues, including enhancing information sharing; bilateral cooperation to raise awareness and build capacity across the region; driving shared economic prosperity and security by shaping the design, development and use of secure cyber and critical technologies; and, elevating multilateral cooperation on norms and standards.
Both countries agreed to work together to coordinate on outcomes for capacity building and in multilateral forums. They agreed to share information on issues of mutual interest, including supporting cybercrime investigations, critical technology standards, and engagement with the private sector and academia.
Both sides recognised the importance of working together with the technology industry to ensure the design, deployment and use of secure, resilient technology in the region. The participants further recognised the need to establish and strengthen links between the government, private sector and academia to advance research and development on cyber and critical technology issues.
The Australian delegation was led by the Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dr. Tobias Feakin. The Korean delegation was led by the Ambassador for International Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lee Choong-myon.
