Foreign Affairs Minister Jin Park attended the Asean-Republic of Korea Ministerial Meeting held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on August 4. He introduced South Korean government’s win-win cooperation and consolidation plan and exchanged opinions on nuclear issues of the North alongside regional situations.

The meeting set sail in 1997 and 10 member countries gather every year. This year, it was chaired by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Park explained the Yoon government’s vision for freedom, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and the Asean welcomed the Yoon administration’s Asean-centered foreign policies. 

Both parties shared the same view on strategic communications and strengthened cyber and maritime securities alongside the Asean-ROK FTA, the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Park pointed out the need of tackling epidemic, climate change and natural disasters that are directly affecting everyday activities of people and praised the 1st Asean-ROK Health Ministerial Meeting as a good example. He explained the ongoing Asean-ROK Methane Initiative from which the Asean-ROK Disaster Response Meeting will take place. 

As for the nuclear issues of the North, Park explained that the government is opening a channel for dialogue but will act firmly against any moves of threatening. Park also condemned the Myanmar military regime’s executions of rebels but the South Korean government has decided to give additional USD 5.6 million humanitarian aid. <PowerKorea>