 RoK President Moon Jae-in and leaders of 10 ASEAN countries (photo: VNA) |
The summit in the RoK involves leaders and senior officials of 10 ASEAN countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
From partners to strategic partners
ASEAN-RoK relations, which began in 1989, have been raised to a strategic partnership. Mutual understanding and trust have guided them to a common voice on many issues.
ASEAN-RoK relations have been built on a foundation of long-term cooperation. In 2010 the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership. A Joint Statement entitled “Our Future Vision of ASEAN-RoK Strategic Partnership “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness” was released in 2014.
President Moon Jae-in introduced the New Southern Policy when he took office in 2017. Since then the RoK’s relations with ASEAN and each ASEAN member including Vietnam have progressed in many fields. Moon Jae-In was the first RoK President to visit all 10 ASEAN countries during his presidency. The RoK is the 5th biggest direct trade and investment partner of ASEAN. Trade has increased 20 times fold over 30 years. Similarities in culture, music, and cuisine have contributed to boosting bilateral ties.
ASEAN countries have actively welcomed the RoK’s New Southern Policy to make the RoK a close and important partner. South Korea has participated in almost all mechanisms initiated and led by ASEAN, including the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN+3. The two support each other at international forums and cooperate closely on global issues such as sustainable development, climate change response, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They share a common view on issues such as resolving disputes by peaceful means, abiding by international law, and respecting and protecting freedom of navigation and aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Realizing an ASEAN-RoK community for mutual development
The RoK needs new partners in order to be less dependent on traditional partners and strengthen its influence in ASEAN and beyond.
ASEAN is working on its ASEAN vision 2025. Next year, ASEAN will focus on enhancing unity, strengthening regional collaboration and connectivity, improving its ability to adapt to the 4th Industrial Revolution, boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges, reinforcing internal economic cooperation, and deepening its relations with partners, including the RoK.
ASEAN’s consistent stance is to support denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, call for parties to engage in dialogue, and comply with agreements toward the target of ensuring longlasting peace on the Korean peninsula. Regional and global secuity is an important component of ASEAN-RoK relations, which emphasizes the importance of peace, security, stability, and regional and global cooperation.
With good cooperative results over the past 3 decades, the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit marks an important milestone. The Summit will encourage and inspire people, businesses, and governments to realize the goal of building an ASEAN-RoK community for development, prosperity, and peace.