The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) met with Australian Ambassador to South Korea Jeffrey Robinson on Tuesday and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties between the two countries. During the meeting, PPP chief Han Dong-hoon also expressed gratitude to Australia, stressing that the freedom and democracy South Korea now enjoys is the result of Australia's "noble sacrifice and dedication," and the 17,164 Australian veterans who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War. "South Korea and Australia remain good friends since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1961, with the shared values of freedom, democracy and market economy," Han said. "The two countries are cooperating at a high level, particularly in the military and defense sector under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration." Robinson noted the great potential for further bilateral cooperation in energy partnership, defense and security. Australia was among the 22 countries that sent troops or gave medical aid to South Korea under the U. N. flag during the Korean War. Source: Yonhap News Agency