South Korea and ASEAN Review Strategic Partnership at Seoul Meeting

Representatives of South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met Tuesday in Seoul to review progress on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss ways to expand cooperation in security, economic, and other areas, the foreign ministry said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hye attended the annual Korea-ASEAN Dialogue along with officials from the 11 ASEAN member states. The meeting took place ahead of a series of ASEAN-related foreign ministerial meetings scheduled for later this month.

Participants reviewed implementation of existing partnership plans and exchanged views on further expanding cooperation. Chung introduced South Korea's proposal to share its strengths in artificial intelligence with ASEAN countries and to promote joint growth in cultural and creative industries.

Chung also called for ASEAN support in cooperative projects proposed by the Seoul government, including efforts to combat scam-related crimes. The participants discussed regional and international issues including developments on the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, and the situation in Myanmar.

ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to convene in Manila later this month. South Korea plans to participate in the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum to discuss regional security issues and deepen cooperation.