South Korea pledges to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN during Malaysia's tenure as the rotating chair of ASEAN, focusing on openness, inclusivity, and international norms aligning with the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP).
South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Jung Byung-won stated that the 2023 Korea-ASEAN Summit adopted a joint statement on cooperation regarding the Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP), highlighting the shared vision of South Korea and ASEAN in key priority areas.
“This landmark document reflects the joint commitment of ASEAN and South Korea to enhance cooperation in four priority areas: maritime cooperation, connectivity, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and economic as well as other possible areas of collaboration.”
He mentioned this in an exclusive written interview with Bernama in conjunction with the informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) held on the 18th to 19th of this month in Langkawi, Kedah.
He pointed out that Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) are closely aligned with AOIP, promoting openness, inclusivity, and international norms, while flagship projects like the Korea-ASEAN Digital Flagship (KADIF) and the ASEAN-Korea Methane Action Partnership (PARMA) support these goals.
“South Korea will continue to strengthen security cooperation with ASEAN to uphold a rules-based order, enhance defense and defense industry cooperation, and address cybersecurity and transnational crime.”
Jung Byung-won emphasized that, particularly on the South China Sea issue, a third of South Korea's import-export volume passes through the region, including 76.5% of oil and 50.7% of natural gas, highlighting the area's critical importance to South Korea's economic security.
Therefore, he reiterated South Korea's commitment to maintaining an order in the oceans based on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and supports ASEAN members in strengthening maritime enforcement capabilities.
“Ensuring peace, stability, and security in the region is not only crucial for South Korea's sustained prosperity but also equally vital for ASEAN's prosperity.”
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, Jung Byung-won expressed concern over the worsening situation involving continued fighting between the Myanmar military and the opposition, noting the necessity for unified international action.
He emphasized South Korea's humanitarian efforts and noted that last year, South Korea provided $23 million in humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar and Rohingya refugees, a fourfold increase from previous years.
“South Korea also provided $1.5 million in aid through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), supporting ASEAN's efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The centre is an important channel for providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.”
Regarding the Korean Peninsula, Jung Byung-won noted that the denuclearization of North Korea is crucial for achieving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and Malaysia can play a leadership role within ASEAN by calling on North Korea to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“We hope that under Malaysia's leadership as the ASEAN rotating chair, ASEAN will continue to send a clear message to North Korea.”
Jung Byung-won reiterated South Korea's advocacy for peaceful solutions to global crises, including the Middle East conflict.
“For instance, the joint statement establishing a strategic partnership between South Korea and Malaysia last year included a section advocating for the peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.”
Following the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and India, South Korea became the sixth dialogue partner to reach the highest level of relations with ASEAN.
Confidence in Malaysia's Leadership
Malaysia, as the rotating chair of ASEAN this year, has South Korea's confidence in leading ASEAN to achieve long-term strategic goals and foster regional peace, resilience, and inclusivity.
Jung Byung-won emphasized Malaysia's historical significance in ASEAN and pointed out Malaysia's contributions to key milestones such as the launching of the East Asia Summit in 2005 and the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015.
Jung Byung-won told Bernama, “As a founding member of ASEAN, Malaysia plays a key role in ASEAN cooperation and demonstrates important leadership.”
He stated this in an exclusive written interview with Bernama in conjunction with the informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) held on the 18th to 19th of this month in Langkawi, Kedah.
He further pointed out that the upcoming “ASEAN Community Vision 2045” presents Malaysia with a significant opportunity to guide the regional bloc towards a cohesive and forward-looking strategy over the next 20 years.
“We hope Malaysia will display wisdom and institutional leadership in guiding ASEAN's strategic direction over the next 20 years.”
Additionally, Jung Byung-won praised the “Glorious Malaysia” vision for aligning well with ASEAN's 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” and stated that South Korea is committed to strongly supporting Malaysia's achievement of this goal.
He also noted that the upgraded Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) last year forms the basis for deepening cooperation under Malaysia's leadership.
“In the first year of our new partnership, we are delighted to see Malaysia as the ASEAN rotating chair. Under the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) specifically designed for ASEAN, many initiatives and plans are underway.”
Jung Byung-won pointed out that these initiatives cover the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community and are aligned with regional priorities of peace, resilience, and inclusivity.
“In particular, we have launched several multiyear flagship projects addressing key issues such as digital innovation and climate change and expanding scholarship opportunities for ASEAN young talents.”
He emphasized South Korea's commitment to promoting sustainable development and regional stability.
South Korea established sectoral dialogue relations with ASEAN in November 1989, and was recognized as a formal dialogue partner at the 24th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in July 1991.