Minister Kang Kyung-wha to Attend ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from 9th to 12th... Discussing COVID-19 Overcoming and Economic Recovery

Held via Video Conference Considering the COVID-19 Situation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will attend the ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings held via video conference from the 9th to the 12th.

Minister Kang is scheduled to participate in four meetings: Korea-ASEAN, ASEAN+3 (Korea, China, Japan), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Originally, these meetings were planned to be held in Vietnam, the chair country this year, but due to the COVID-19 situation, they will be conducted virtually.

The government recognizes the importance of consolidating the will to strengthen regional solidarity and promote peace despite difficulties caused by COVID-19, and plans to emphasize the necessity of regional cooperation and solidarity for health, medical fields, and economic recovery at this ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meeting. It will also highlight the importance of progress in the Korea Peninsula peace process for regional peace and stability, urging the prompt resumption of dialogue and support from participating countries for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

At the Korea-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for the 10th, the government will review the implementation status of follow-up measures from the Korea-ASEAN Special Summit held last November and explore ways to deepen future Korea-ASEAN cooperation.

Minister Kang will express the intention to strengthen cooperation to deepen the Korea-ASEAN strategic partnership, including advancing the New Southern Policy reflecting the changed policy environment and new cooperation demands from ASEAN.

At the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for the 9th, discussions will include reviewing follow-up measures from the recent ASEAN+3 Special Video Summit and cooperation on COVID-19 response and economic recovery. On the same day, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, involving 18 regional countries including ASEAN, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and India, will exchange views on regional issues such as the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Kang will also discuss active international cooperation for peace on the Korean Peninsula and harmonious cooperation between the New Southern Policy and various regional initiatives within the region.

Additionally, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with 27 member countries including ASEAN, the United States, China, Japan, North Korea, and the European Union (EU), will be held on the 12th. This meeting will exchange opinions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, non-traditional security, and other international security agendas, seeking ways to build trust and strengthen security cooperation among participating countries.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The government plans to maintain the momentum for enhanced diplomacy toward ASEAN, elevated through last year's Special Summit, and will continue to actively participate in ASEAN-related consultative bodies to contribute to regional peace and stability."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.