New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key promised Monday to continue support for peace on the Korean Peninsula and intensify efforts to boost trade with South Korea, hopefully through a free trade agreement (FTA).
At the start of summit talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, Key pointed out his government issued a statement condemning North Korea shortly after it was found to be responsible for the sinking of a South Korean warship in March.
He said New Zealand will spare no efforts for peace and stability on the peninsula, as it did during the 1950-53 Korean War.
Key arrived here Sunday for a four-day trip to reciprocate Lee's visit to New Zealand last year.
Lee noted the timing of the prime minister's trip to South Korea.
"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.
New Zealand participated in the war and 65 soldiers (from the country) were killed," Lee said during a brief photo session opened to media. New Zealand dispatched about 2,000 troops to help the South fight against the invading
North.
"The two countries are cooperating not only on economy but also in other fields, including global issues," Lee said.
A joint statement issued after the summit said the two leaders also discussed their countries' FTA. Negotiations began a year ago, but the
countries have yet to make progress due to differences over the terms of the deal.
"They reaffirmed their expectation to conclude the Korea-New Zealand FTA as early as possible," the statement said.
"Both recognized the mutual benefits in working closely together towards enhanced trade and economic links and the opportunities existing for new trade in both directions."
The leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of energy, natural resources, and infrastructure including broadband networks, it
added.
South Korea and New Zealand forged diplomatic ties in 1962, and two-way trade totaled 1.8 billion won (US$1.5 million) last year.