S. Korea, New Zealand hold vice-ministerial talks to discuss energy ties, regional security

S. Korea, New Zealand hold vice-ministerial talks to discuss energy ties, regional security SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- Vice foreign ministers of South Korea and New Zealand met in Seoul on Thursday and discussed ways to boost cooperation in energy and other fields of mutual interest amid the conflict in the Middle East, Seoul's foreign ministry said. During the meeting, South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and New Zealand Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry exchanged views on major regional and international issues, including the Middle East conflict, and developments on the Korean Peninsula and Pacific island countries, according to the ministry. Park said the meeting was meaningful as it marked the first bilateral high-level consultation between the two foreign ministries since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership last year. Noting that South Korea is New Zealand's largest supplier of refined petroleum products, Corry called for close coordination between the two sides on energy supply issues amid the Middle East crisis. Corry also emphasized the growing importance of close communication between like-minded countries amid increasing uncertainty in global circumstances, the ministry said. graceoh@yna.co.kr (END) - BTS shows in N. America draw 840,000 concertgoers: agency - Samsung Electronics to move U.S. headquarters from New Jersey to Texas - BTS to release special vinyl to mark 13th anniversary - (URGENT) Hegseth calls for 'balanced' OPCON transfer where U.S. military plans, roles are 'honored' - 'Colony' tops weekend box office, breaking 3 mln admissions - (ROUNDUP) Ruling party wins landslide in local elections despite losing Seoul to incumbent mayor - (URGENT) Hegseth calls for 'balanced' OPCON transfer where U.S. military plans, roles are 'honored' - 'Colony' tops weekend box office, breaking 3 mln admissions - BTS shows in N. America draw 840,000 concertgoers: agency - S. Korea rout Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in pre-World Cup friendly - (2nd LD) Ruling DP headed for landslide victory in local elections - (ROUNDUP) Ruling party wins landslide in local elections despite losing Seoul to incumbent mayor - (2nd LD) N. Korea's Kim inspects new nuclear facility, vows to 'exponentially' bolster nuclear forces - (3rd LD) Ruling DP headed for landslide victory in local elections; Seoul mayoral race too close to call - (3rd LD) Ruling DP projected to win high-stakes local elections seen as key test for president