Defense chief visits Australia’s Fleet Command

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik on Thursday visited Australia's Fleet Command and reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to promoting regional peace and stability, his office said. During the visit, Shin was briefed by Australia's Deputy Fleet Commander Commodore Ray Leggatt and evaluated the Royal Australian Navy's role in Indo-Pacific security. Shin also highlighted South Korea's shipbuilding capabilities during his meeting with senior Navy officials, the ministry said, as South Korean shipbuilders eye Australia's plan to acquire 11 new frigates. Later in the day, Shin paid tribute at the Korean War Memorial in Melbourne, accompanied by Korean War Veterans. Australia was among the 22 countries that sent troops or gave medical aid to South Korea under the U.N. flag during the 1950-53 Korean War. Of the total service members Canberra had sent, 340 were killed in action, according to South Korean data. Shin was on a weeklong trip to Australia to have "two plus two" talks of foreign and defense ministers betwee n the two nations, as well as meetings with other government and military officials. Source: Yonhap News Agency