Strengthening Ties between South Korea and ASEAN
Enhancing Cooperation in Key Priority Areas
South Korea has pledged stronger ties with ASEAN under Malaysia’s chairmanship, focusing on openness, inclusivity, and international norms aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The adoption of the Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP at the 2023 South Korea-ASEAN Summit underscores the shared vision of South Korea and ASEAN for cooperation in key priority areas.
"This landmark document reflects a shared commitment by ASEAN and South Korea to strengthening cooperation in the four priority areas: maritime cooperation, connectivity, SDGs, and economic and other possible areas of cooperation," said South Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won.
Aligning Strategies and Objectives
Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) align closely with the AOIP in promoting openness, inclusivity, and international norms. Flagship projects such as the Korea-ASEAN Digital Flagship (KADIF) and the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action (PARMA) support these objectives.
Enhancing Security Cooperation
South Korea will continue to strengthen security cooperation with ASEAN to uphold the rules-based order, enhance collaboration in defence and the defence industry, and address cybersecurity and transnational crimes.
Importance of the South China Sea
One-third of South Korea’s total imports and exports pass through the South China Sea, which includes 76.5% of our oil and 50.7% of our gas, underscoring the South China Sea’s vital importance to Korea’s economic security. Therefore, South Korea reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rules-based maritime order anchored in international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and supporting ASEAN member states in enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities.
Addressing the Crisis in Myanmar
Chung expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and pointed out the need for unified international action. South Korea has provided US$23 million in humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar and Rohingya refugees last year, a four-fold increase from previous years. South Korea is also supporting ASEAN’s efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Myanmar by providing US$1.5 million in aid through the AHA Centre.
The Korean Peninsula
Chung highlighted the importance of the denuclearisation of North Korea for realising a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN in calling for North Korea to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions. South Korea hopes that, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, ASEAN will continue to send a clear and unequivocal message to North Korea.
Global Crises and Peaceful Resolutions
South Korea reiterated its advocacy for peaceful resolutions to global crises, including the Middle East conflict. For example, the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between South Korea and Malaysia last year included a paragraph advocating for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East.
Conclusion
South Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN reflects its shared vision for cooperation in key priority areas. By aligning its strategies and objectives with ASEAN’s, South Korea aims to promote openness, inclusivity, and international norms, while enhancing security cooperation and addressing global crises.
FAQs
Q: What are the key priority areas for cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN?
A: Maritime cooperation, connectivity, SDGs, and economic and other possible areas of cooperation.
Q: What is the significance of the South China Sea for South Korea’s economic security?
A: One-third of South Korea’s total imports and exports pass through the South China Sea, which includes 76.5% of our oil and 50.7% of our gas.
Q: How is South Korea addressing the crisis in Myanmar?
A: South Korea has provided US$23 million in humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar and Rohingya refugees last year, and is also supporting ASEAN’s efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Myanmar.
Q: What is South Korea’s stance on the denuclearisation of North Korea?
A: South Korea emphasizes the importance of the denuclearisation of North Korea for realising a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.