South Korea and New Zealand

During a summit in Seoul, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons development and its military ties with Russia. They agreed to enhance security cooperation and accelerate discussions to elevate their bilateral relations to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' by 2025, which aims to strengthen trade, investment, and shared democratic values. The leaders expressed mutual support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia and emphasized the importance of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding the Taiwan Strait. Luxon acknowledged New Zealand's commitment to UN sanctions on North Korea and confirmed an increase in troop presence in the UN Command. Both nations highlighted the significant growth in trade since their free trade agreement and committed to exploring further economic cooperation. This meeting marks New Zealand's first prime ministerial visit to South Korea in nearly a decade, reflecting the deepening diplomatic ties between the two countries.