New Zealand’s government is continuing "information gathering discussions" on future cooperation with the AUKUS security pact but is "a long way" from being able to make a decision on this, the country’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.

South Korea is being considered as a potential partner for part of the AUKUS deal between the United States, Britain and Australia, Defence Minister Shin Won-Sik said on Wednesday. "We support AUKUS Pillar Two activities and we do welcome that members are considering Korea as an AUKUS Pillar Two partner,

South Korea has held talks about joining part of the AUKUS defence deal between the U.S., Britain and Australia, Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said on Wednesday, only weeks after the pact said it would consider including Japan.

South Korea has confirmed its considering joining part of the AUKUS defence deal. The South Korean Defence and Foreign Ministers met their Australian counterparts Richard Marles and Penny Wong in Melbourne today for two-plus-two talks.

Korea and Australia held a “two-plus-two” meeting of their foreign and defense ministers in Melbourne on Wednesday, exchanging views on each country's Indo-Pacific strategies, defense-related issues and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea is the latest country to explore the possibility of working with Aukus, after both Japan and New Zealand flagged their interest in recent months.