World

Jakarta ceremony marks 35th anniversary of ASEAN - RoK dialogue relations

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).

Participants pose for a group photo at the ceremony held in Jakarta on November 1. (Photo: asean.org)
Participants pose for a group photo at the ceremony held in Jakarta on November 1. (Photo: asean.org)

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./.

VNA
#ASEAN #Republic of Korea #ASEAN - RoK dialogue relations #ASEAN Secretary-General #Kao Kimn Hourn #Korea - ASEAN Solidarity Initiative Korea (RoK) ASEAN
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations opens

The Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations kicked off in Indonesia on November 1, with representatives from their governments, business and social organisations taking part.

Representatives from the AHA Centre and the EU’s Department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations sign an agreement in disaster management. (Photo: asean.org)

ASEAN, EU promote collaboration in disaster management

The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and the European Union’s Department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations on October 17 signed an agreement to further strengthen cooperation in disaster management between ASEAN and EU countries.

See more

Illustrative photo: www.pna.gov.ph

Philippines assesses security threats ahead of ASEAN Summit

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP, which will take the lead in maintaining peace and order during the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities. Troops have been ordered to extend necessary assistance to the PNP in ensuring the safety and security of the events.

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Positive signs have emerged from restructuring efforts at several large SOEs, including national airline Garuda Indonesia, Krakatau Steel (KRAS) and Timah Tbk (TINS), helping improve their performance and market standing, State asset fund Danantara Indonesia said.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro (L) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu sign the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) (Photo: pna.gov.ph)

Philippines, Japan sign new defence agreement

The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defence Forces to provide each other with fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies during joint activities.

Cambodian soldiers are deployed alongside a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher in a disputed border area with Thailand near Ta Moan Thom temple on July 25, 2025. (Source: Reuters/VNA)

Thailand, Cambodia hold talks to ensure ceasefire

Cambodia reaffirmed its firm, resolute, and sincere commitment to faithfully respect and implement the joint statement and other relevant documents, with the aim of seeking a peaceful, just, and lasting solution in accordance with international laws and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.

The scene of a crane collapse in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Another crane collapses in Thailand

The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon province near the capital Bangkok, where a crane involved in the construction of an elevated highway fell onto the road beneath.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Cambodian PM declares crackdown on cyber scams

The Cambodian PM noted the strict measures against online scams in the past are a testament to the government's political commitment to combating this transnational crime, which is a common concern for Cambodia, the region, and the world.

Foreign tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

International arrivals to Thailand surge in early 2026

Thailand welcomed 1,121,549 international visitors in the first 11 days of 2026, generating an estimated 55.03 billion THB (approximately 1.59 billion USD) in tourism revenue, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on January 13.

Tourists visit the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang, Laos.(Photo: VNA)

Laos named among world’s top travel destinations for 2026: TravelPulse

Known for being one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, experts said 2026 will be the year for Laos to start attracting discerning travelers. Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos features mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and an abundance of Buddhist monasteries.

A commemorative publication titled “50 Years of Germany – Vietnam Relations: Partners in the Past, Present and Future”, published in 2025, offers a timely and comprehensive reflection not only on the 50th anniversary but also on the two countries' strategic path ahead. (Illustrative photo: the Vietnamese – German University)

German economic cooperation ministry praises Vietnam’s development

Commenting on the German Government’s prominent reference to Vietnam’s achievements in a key policy document shaping the future direction of its development policy, Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of Germany’s World University Service (WUS), described this as highly significant.