1. Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan, during his visit to New Zealand on August 16-18, met with his New Zealand counterpart and attended the Antarctic Treaty Agreement, held a meeting with the mayor of Auckland and paid tribute to the cenotaph commemorating Korean War veterans.

2. In the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries discussed key issues, such as ways to boost high-level exchanges, bilateral FTA, cooperation on Antarctica, cooperation in science, education and tourism, as well as the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Asia Pacific region.

o The two Ministers took note of the constant increase of substantive cooperation in various sectors of both countries and agreed to make joint efforts for advancing bilateral FTA negotiation.

o Minister McCully reaffirmed the New Zealand government's commitment to cooperate on the issues of the Korean Peninsula and both parties consented to closely coordinate on international issues such as climate change.

3. The two Ministers signed the Agreement for Cooperation on Antarctica right after the meeting, and the Agreement is expected to contribute greatly to strengthening cooperation in scientific research in the Antarctic region between the two countries in the future.

4. Minister Kim visited the War memorial to pay tribute, met with veterans of Korean War and expressed his deep gratitude for the friendship and sacrifice of New Zealand people. Minister Kim also met Mayor Len Brown of Auckland and asked for support in advancing the rights of some 30,000 Koreans living in New Zealand and for the development of their community.

5. The two countries, which entered the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic ties, have been closely working together in a wide range of sectors sharing fundamental values of democracy and market economy over the last 50 years. The latest visit to New Zealand by Minister Kim is expected to greatly contribute to celebrating the ''Korea-New Zealand Year of Friendship 2012'' and promoting cooperative ties between the two countries. 
                           
                               
                                    Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation