Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Holds First Meeting with ASEAN Ambassadors in Korea... Discusses Measures to Advance New Southern Policy

Exploring Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Measures with Ambassadors of 10 ASEAN Countries in Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 15th, Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a first meeting since his appointment with the ASEAN Ambassadors to Korea, exchanging views on Korea-ASEAN cooperation measures, the advancement of the New Southern Policy, and preparations for ASEAN-related summits.

Vice Minister Choi stated, "On the 3rd anniversary of the New Southern Policy, reflecting the changed policy environment due to COVID-19 and ASEAN's cooperation demands, we will seek new cooperation measures in areas directly related to citizens' lives such as health, and establish an advanced New Southern Policy to continuously deepen the New Southern Policy," requesting the interest and support of the ASEAN ambassadors.

In response, the ASEAN ambassadors evaluated that the Korean government is focusing on ASEAN diplomacy and promoting the New Southern Policy, and expressed expectations to continuously strengthen cooperation in health as well as in fields where Korea has strengths such as science and technology and the digital economy, which have become especially important during the COVID-19 situation.

Vice Minister Choi also mentioned that the Korean government has prioritized agreeing on the establishment of fast-track lanes with ASEAN and actively promoting high-level personnel exchanges, thereby strengthening cooperation based on close relations even amid the COVID-19 situation. Korea reached agreements and is implementing fast-track lanes with Indonesia and Singapore in August and September, respectively.

The participants expressed gratitude for the Korean government's generous support for ASEAN's COVID-19 response, including the provision of quarantine supplies, financial contributions such as the 'ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund,' and sharing of experiences, and hoped for continued cooperation.

Furthermore, Vice Minister Choi expressed hope that the ASEAN-related summits in November would serve as an opportunity to deepen Korea-ASEAN relations by pooling capabilities to overcome COVID-19 and recover the regional economy. The participants responded by agreeing to maintain smooth communication to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in various fields including politics, economy, society, and culture through the New Southern Policy.

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