Jakarta (VNA) – The Mission of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a ceremony in Jakarta on November 1 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ASEAN - RoK dialogue relations (1989 - 2024).
RoK Ambassador to ASEAN Lee Jang-keun expressed his belief that the enhancement of cooperation between his country and the bloc will help share similarities to work towards and achieve the common development goals, thereby contributing to the world’s development.
He said ASEAN is now ready to begin a new journey of hope in the next 20 years via the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and strategic plans. At this important point of time, the RoK is ready to and wishes to be remain a strategic partner of the bloc through the ASEAN Community Vision and the consolidation of programmes and plans to realise this target.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kimn Hourn said over the past 35 years, ASEAN and the RoK have collaborated across various sectors, including politics - security, economy, trade, investment, and socio-cultural exchanges, among others. These efforts have not only strengthened their relationship but also contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity of our region.
The RoK currently stands as one of ASEAN’s most significant dialogue partners, ranking as the fifth largest trading partner and sixth largest source of foreign direct investment. The RoK has consistently supported ASEAN Centrality and Community-building initiatives, facilitating cooperation projects that deliver tangible benefits to ASEAN peoples and economies, he went on.
The official held that those achievements provide a solid foundation for advancing the two sides’ partnership. Notably, the establishment of the ASEAN - RoK comprehensive strategic partnership at the 25th ASEAN - RoK Summit in Vientiane marks a significant step forward.
He appreciated the RoK’s commitment, under the Korea - ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), to increase its contribution to ASEAN-related cooperation funds to 48 million USD per annum by 2027, supporting even more collaborative projects, programmes, and activities in the years ahead.
The Secretary-General voiced the confidence that the ASEAN - RoK partnership will continue to flourish, fostering closer connections among their peoples and promoting sustainable development across the region./.
