Korea, New Zealand sign cooperation pact on Antarctica

(Yonhap) -- South Korea and New Zealand signed a pact Friday aimed at forging policy and logistical cooperation in the development of Antarctica, Seoul officials said.

   The pact was signed between South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, who is on a two-day visit to Auckland, and his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully, the ministry said in a statement.

   The agreement "paves the way for Korea and New Zealand to increase policy and logistical cooperation on Antarctic issues," according to the statement.

   Kim and McCully also discussed ongoing free trade talks between the two nations and shared views on peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the statement said.

   Kim is scheduled to return home on Saturday.