Manila: South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by introducing new cooperation initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural sectors, as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry. This announcement was made during a meeting co-chaired by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Thai counterpart, on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial meetings in Manila.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho emphasized the indispensability of the partnership between South Korea and ASEAN in the face of a rapidly changing regional environment characterized by global supply chain restructuring and technological shifts. He advocated for closer cooperation through the implementation of the partnership vision, which was introduced by President Lee Jae Myung at last year's Korea-ASEAN summit. This vision outlines three primary pillars: people-centered cooperation, growth and innovation, and peace and stability.
During the meeting, South Korea unveiled the "Korea-ASEAN AI Partnership Initiative," which aims to build AI ecosystems, promote AI research and talent development, and support the safe use of AI using Seoul's full-stack AI capabilities. Additionally, new initiatives in cultural and creative industries were introduced, along with cooperation to combat online scam crimes and the establishment of a joint maritime safety academy. South Korea called for ASEAN member states' support and participation in these projects.
ASEAN member states welcomed the partnership vision and expressed their willingness to cooperate closely in its implementation. The discussion also included ways to further strengthen economic cooperation, focusing on efforts to improve the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and enhance supply chain resilience. Last month, South Korea and ASEAN began official talks to upgrade their FTA, aiming to expand cooperation in the digital economy, critical minerals, and other emerging sectors. The existing FTA includes agreements on goods, services, and investment, signed in 2006, 2007, and 2009, respectively.
Cho further shared South Korea's efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence and shared growth with North Korea, seeking ASEAN's continued support for this initiative. ASEAN member states reaffirmed their support for Seoul's Korean Peninsula policy, recognizing the importance of peace and stability on the peninsula for regional stability.
In addition to the Korea-ASEAN meeting, Cho engaged in bilateral discussions with counterparts from various ASEAN member states, including the Philippines and Thailand, to further strengthen ties and cooperation.