Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Eui-yong (left) in the meeting with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his visit to Vietnam in June. (Photo: VNA)Chung made the call during a virtual ASEAN-RoK foreign ministers meeting on August 3 where he reiterated Seoul's resolve to deepen the partnership with the bloc under its signature New Southern Policy.
"The pandemic is exacerbating inequalities among countries, as well as within countries, and continues to undermine global and regional stability," Chung said in his opening remarks at the meeting.
"In our fight against COVID-19, no country is safe until every country is safe. Therefore, we need strong global solidarity and cooperation," he added.
Chung recalled his visits to Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia in June, portraying the trip as a glimpse at how the ASEAN-RoK partnership has flourished under the New Southern Policy.
The policy is serving as a strong platform for deepening the bilateral partnership ably augmented by active support and cooperation from ASEAN, he said. "I look forward to visiting more ASEAN countries in the near future to continue our dialogue."
This week, Chung plans to join a series of virtual sessions led by ASEAN, including an ASEAN plus three meeting that involves China and Japan, the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
He is expected to use those sessions to cement the RoK's regional policy, enhance cooperation against the pandemic and call for participants' support for Seoul's drive to foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula./.
VNA
