President Moon Attends ASEAN+3 Summit... Urges Support for 'End of War Declaration'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in attended the ASEAN+3 Summit via video conference on the 27th and called for support for peace on the Korean Peninsula, including a 'Declaration of the End of War.'

At the 24th ASEAN+3 Summit held via video conference from 4 p.m. for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, President Moon discussed the response to the COVID-19 crisis, cooperation achievements, and future directions with the leaders of the nine ASEAN countries, China, and Japan, and exchanged views on regional developments.

In his agenda speech, President Moon said, "Based on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), we hope to strengthen regional supply chains and achieve sustainable economic growth together," adding, "Korea will complete the ratification of RCEP within this year." He also expressed expectations for progressive measures such as mutual recognition of vaccination certificates to institutionalize the movement of essential personnel and fast-track lanes for businesspeople.

Furthermore, President Moon stated that Korea will expand cooperation in various digital fields for the mutually beneficial development of digital capabilities and actively share Korea's Green New Deal experience as part of efforts to respond to the climate crisis. He also expressed gratitude for ASEAN's consistent support for the Korean government's 'Korean Peninsula Peace Process' and requested continued interest and support for the path toward a peaceful Korean Peninsula and a prospering East Asia, including the 'Declaration of the End of War.'

In his opening remarks, President Moon announced that he is exploring ways to organically link cooperation in the seven core areas of the New Southern Policy Plus strategy with the 'ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF)' and stated that Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be expanded focusing on climate change, digital, and health sectors.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida expressed a continued commitment to enhancing regional food security and mentioned the need for the early implementation of RCEP to maintain a free economic order, as well as the utilization of the 'Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization' for building financial safety nets. He also expressed expectations for strengthening the linkage between ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Japan's Indo-Pacific Initiative.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang emphasized strengthening public health governance for open, inclusive, and sustainable development of ASEAN+3, increasing exchanges in cybersecurity governance, and revitalizing financial cooperation. He also pledged to double efforts for the early implementation of RCEP and highlighted the importance of the 'Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization.'

The leaders of the nine ASEAN countries expressed gratitude for the support provided by Korea, China, and Japan in overcoming and recovering from COVID-19, including medical supplies, equipment, and vaccines. They also expressed expectations for expanding cooperation among ASEAN mechanisms such as Korea's New Southern Policy, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF).

The ASEAN+3 leaders adopted the 'Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation on Mental Health for Youth and Children' and agreed to cooperate to establish a regional cooperation system to address and prevent mental health issues among future generations.

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