Starting from November 25 to 26, a special summit between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) took place in Busan. This year marks the 30th anniversary of South Korea and ASEAN’s dialogue partnership; and before the summit, from October 16 to 19, intergovernmental bodies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were able to host the Korean-ASEAN Train, a three-day trip across the country.
Hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, this event highlighted the participants' wishes for the success of the special summit to cement and embolden the sectoral dialogues between the countries. According to the Jakarta Post, the ASEAN secretary-general acknowledged the South Korean administration’s New Southern Policy, saying that “all these actions will enhance the cooperation between ASEAN and Korea, in areas such as connectivity, small and medium enterprises and seamless administrative services.” The program enabled the participants to explore the themes of “3Ps”: prosperity, people, and peace. Participants were able to engage in cultural tours and performances around the country and attend special lectures given by ambassadors; specifically on how people can prosper and coexist together in peace. The program overview emphasized that the program would connect the people, culture, and economy of ASEAN and Korea. A total of 200 participants coming from various backgrounds joined the projects for a “people-centered” community.
In a Korean Herald’s interview with one of the participants, a Ph.D. student from Brunei shared her positive views on Korea’s relationship with the ASEAN countries. She added that there are lots of interests towards the countries, and the relationships can go forward, “not only for 30 years but 50 years and beyond.”
With the cooperation being strengthened every year, inspiring the young generations to participate in intercultural events or workshops is expected to add another fruitful layer into the sectoral interests between South Korea and ASEAN countries’ diplomatic ties.
Written by Hyunseon Kim|Staff Writer
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