June 26, 2018 | 21:34 (GMT+7)
ASEAN-RoK relations beyond diplomatic ties
The relations between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have become more diverse and closely connected beyond simply having diplomatic ties, said Lee Hyuk, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Center at the Media Invitation Roundtable held in Seoul, the RoK, on June 25.
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At the 19th ASEAN-RoK Summit in Manila, the Philippines in November 2017. Photo: asean.org |
According to Lee, they touch upon various sectors including society, culture, economy, and people-to-people exchanges.
“Moreover, the Korean government unveiled the New Southern Policy to elevate the RoK’s relationship with ASEAN to the level of its relations with the four major powers (the United States, China, Japan, and Russia)”, Lee said, adding that this policy is indeed timely at the time when ASEAN and the RoK are working closely together towards the realization of One Community.
At the roundtable, RoK Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Yoon Soon-gu has explained to the event participants the current status of the New Southern Policy by the government of the RoK while Ekkaphab Phanthavong, Permanent Representative of Laos to ASEAN, shared the perspectives of ASEAN toward the New Southern Policy.
The event, organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center, is expected to be an opportunity for the Korean government to give briefings on the New Southern Policy in order to promote a mutually beneficial partnership between the two sides, and gain support from ASEAN and the RoK press.
Source: VNA