Elevated Malaysia-South Korea Ties
Kuala Lumpur, Oct 29 (Bernama) —
Support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025
South Korea’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Yeo Seung Bae, has reaffirmed Seoul’s strong support for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Confident in Malaysia’s Leadership
Yeo expressed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership to advance ASEAN’s goals, especially amidst shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Cooperation Across Fields
As strategic partners, South Korea and Malaysia are well-positioned to deepen cooperation across various fields, including defence and economy.
Defence Cooperation
Yeo emphasized South Korea’s commitment to regional peace, particularly in maritime security and defence. He added that Seoul’s involvement in ASEAN-led mechanisms as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) underscores the importance of continued collaboration to address shared security challenges.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Discussions
Meanwhile, on the ongoing FTA discussions between South Korea and ASEAN, which resumed in March this year, Yeo noted the significant progress made, with both sides aiming to foster economic growth through enhanced trade, investment and market access. The FTA holds transformative potential, not only for Malaysian businesses but also for all ASEAN members looking to expand in South Korea’s market, particularly in the digital and green economy sectors.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
During the event, both ISIS Malaysia and the South Korean Embassy also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote research, information and knowledge exchange. The terms cover joint research, publication, exchanges and the establishment of a chair in Korean studies.
Research Areas
The first MoU, signed in 2017, laid the foundation for MASK activities. The research areas include foreign policy, security, economics, technology, innovation, environment and sustainable development, and national unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Korea’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Yeo Seung Bae, reiterated Seoul’s strong support for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration across various fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025?
A: Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is seen as a pivotal moment in the region’s development, with the country poised to play a key role in shaping ASEAN’s future.
Q: What are the key areas of cooperation between South Korea and Malaysia?
A: South Korea and Malaysia have identified defence and economy as key areas of cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism efforts, as well as trade, investment, and market access.
Q: What is the status of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions between South Korea and ASEAN?
A: The FTA discussions between South Korea and ASEAN, which resumed in March this year, are ongoing, with both sides aiming to foster economic growth through enhanced trade, investment, and market access.