Celebrating 30 - Year Vietnam - RoK Diplomatic Ties and RoK’s National Liberation Day
	RoK Hopes Vietnam Support Cooperation with ASEAN

ASEAN and the RoK established sectoral dialogue relations in 1989, which were upgraded to a dialogue partnership in 1991. Their cooperation spans numerous fields, including political security, economic, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. For ASEAN, the RoK is among its most significant partners.

The 35th anniversary of ASEAN-RoK relations. (Photo: moit.gov.vn)

The RoK is ASEAN's fifth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest foreign direct investor (FDI). In 2023, bilateral trade exceeded US $196 billion, and the RoK’s FDI in ASEAN reached nearly US $11 billion. The RoK consistently supports ASEAN's initiatives to build the ASEAN Community. Its investments in infrastructure, education, and technology play a vital role in driving economic development and innovation in ASEAN member countries.

Cultural exchanges have also intensified, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between ASEAN and the RoK peoples. Through music, films, and fashion, RoK’s culture has gained widespread influence, particularly among Southeast Asia's youth. Conversely, the RoK is increasingly embracing ASEAN's cultural diversity, with numerous organizations and individuals in the RoK exploring and promoting the art, languages, and cultures of ASEAN countries.

At the 25th ASEAN-RoK Summit held in Vientiane, Laos in October, both sides agreed to adopt a Joint Declaration establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This milestone marked a significant new chapter in their relationship as they celebrated 35 years of cooperation.

As affirmed by leaders from both sides, upgrading the partnership reflects the deep connection and extensive cooperation between ASEAN and the RoK. To further enhance their cooperation, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implementing the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI).

In addition to addressing non-traditional security challenges, and boosting trade, business connectivity, and cultural exchanges, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and climate change mitigation.

The recent celebration of the 35th anniversary, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, and organized by the Mission of the RoK to ASEAN, provided an opportunity for both sides to reflect on their journey and look toward the future.

At the ceremony, Ambassador of the RoK to ASEAN Lee Jang-keun emphasized that strengthening cooperation would allow the two sides to leverage their commonalities to achieve shared development goals, thereby contributing to regional and global growth. ASEAN is preparing for a new chapter through its ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Ambassador Lee underscored RoK’s readiness, as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, to collaborate with ASEAN in realizing this vision.

Reflecting on the milestones in ASEAN-RoK relations, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn noted that the partnership and friendship have flourished, grounded in mutual respect and shared values.

According to Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN commits to deepening its partnership with the RoK, striving for more substantive relations. He also praised RoK's commitment to KASI, including its increasing contributions to ASEAN funds and support for collaborative projects in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Secretary-General Kao expressed confidence that ASEAN-RoK relations will continue to strengthen people-to-people connections and foster sustainable development across the region.

PM Phuc to attend ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit, pay official visit to RoK Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse will attend the 2019 ASEAN - Republic of Korea (RoK) Commemorative Summit and the first Mekong – ...

ASEAN Culture and Tourism Showcase opens in Seoul Starting from November 4, the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) is holding the ‘ASEAN Culture and Tourism Showcase 2020’, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat.