Korea, New Zealand hold first vice-ministerial talks since strategic partnership

South Korea and New Zealand held their first bilateral foreign ministry consultation at the vice-ministerial level Thursday in Seoul, with officials focusing on energy cooperation and regional security more than a year after the two nations forged a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The meeting underscores deepening energy and security ties between the two Pacific nations, with Korea serving as New Zealand's top supplier of refined petroleum products as both sides seek stable energy supply amid ongoing Middle East conflict.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said the session was meaningful because it marked "the first bilateral high-level consultation between the two foreign ministries since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership last year," according to The Korea Times.

The two sides exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues, including the Middle East conflict, Korean Peninsula developments and matters affecting Pacific island nations, the Korea Times reported.

New Zealand Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry noted that "Korea is New Zealand's largest supplier of refined petroleum products" and called for close coordination on energy supply issues, according to the Korea Times.

Both officials stressed the importance of open communication between like-minded nations amid growing global uncertainty, the Korea Times reported.

The Korea-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership was established in 2025. Thursday's vice-ministerial session was the first high-level foreign ministry meeting held under that framework.