South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently conversed about the ongoing situation in the Middle East. They deliberated on the impacts of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on the global economy and energy supplies. President Lee shared South Korea’s initiatives like a temporary fuel price cap and potential restrictions on naphtha exports to alleviate fuel costs.
Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s reliance on imported refined oil and emphasized securing safety in the Strait of Hormuz for stable energy supplies. The leaders acknowledged the importance of cooperation between like-minded nations in restoring regional peace and stabilizing the global economy. Luxon commended the joint statement urging Iran to refrain from disrupting commercial traffic in the strait and expressed readiness for continued collaboration on pertinent issues.
The bilateral relationship between South Korea and New Zealand, rooted in historical ties dating back to the Korean War, has strengthened over the years. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962, with resident Embassies opening in Seoul and Wellington in 1971. The partnership has expanded across various sectors such as economics, trade, defense, culture, tourism, education, and science and technology, reflecting a multifaceted engagement.
