First couple arriving at Kingsford Smith Airport in SydneyPresident Lee Myung-bak arrived in Australia on the second stop of his southern Pacific tour on Wednesday (Mar. 4).

At the subsequent "Australia-Korea Green Business Forum" held in a local hotel, the President emphasized the two countries'' collaboration in fostering eco-friendly industries, and said that a future Korea-Australia FTA deal, when struck, will bring new opportunities for both countries.

Lee went on to thank the Macquarie Group, one of Australia''s largest investment banks, for deciding to make a large investment in Korea on the occasion of Lee''s visit. He further hoped that other Australian firms would make similar decisions counting on Korea''s future.

He also said that, as two members of the G20, Korea and Australia should accept their share of responsibility in overcoming the global financial crisis. He underscored that holding on to free trade is the first and foremost solution for resolving the crisis, and that world economies should implement a "Global Deal” or fiscal stimulus policies without delay.

Also, in an interview with The Australian, the biggest-selling national newspaper in the country, the President gave his stance on the recent missile threats of North Korea.

"In the short term, North Korea might take the upper hand at the negotiation table [through this provocation], but it will eventually work not positively for the country," Lee said.

In the interview, Lee also expressed support for the establishment of an Asia-Pacific regional body, which was suggested by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.