KOREA FOUNDATION

Australia-Korea Next-Generation Political Leaders Exchange

From July 15 to 21, the KF hosted six Australian members of parliament in Korea to attend its Australia-Korea Next-Generation Political Leaders Exchange Program.

The program was launched in 2011 as a follow-up to the KF-sponsored Australia-Korea Dialogue of May 2010, with the aim of promoting friendship and cooperation between next-generation politicians of both countries through mutual exchange. Resuming after a four-year suspension incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the format of the program has developed, changing from alternating visits to annual mutual visits.

The visitors to Korea included Jerome Laxale, a Labor Party member of the Australian House of Representatives who has served as councilor and mayor of the city of Ryde. Other guests included Gordon Reid, another Labor Party representative, and Senator Fatima Payman of the Senate for Western Australia. The six political leaders paid visits to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, and various other relevant institutions to meet with Korean officials and politicians.

From August 6, the Australian parliament members’ visit will be reciprocated, with Korean next-generation political leaders spending a week in Australia. The exchange of visits is expected to strengthen parliamentary, diplomatic, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Visit to National Assembly

Visit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Australia-Korea Next-Generation Political Leaders ExchangeJerome LaxaleFatima PaymanGordon Reid