(Unofficial translation)


Honorable Chairman, thank you.

Leaders of member states,

At every critical moment when the region faced challenges, the ASEAN Plus Three countries have responded with cooperation. 

Besides the spread of protectionism, there are a host of tasks that require our close collaboration with regard to terrorism, climate change, disaster management and the nurturing of future leaders.

Today, I would like to speak with you about ways to cooperate for sustainable development and Korea’s role.

First, we have to further advance the cooperative mechanism that will help us jointly respond to diverse crises.

Such transnational challenges as terrorism, climate change and disasters have emerged as major risk factors in densely populated Asia in particular. The ASEAN Plus Three nations should exercise leadership in regard to issues that are difficult for individual countries to resolve on their own.

ASEAN has put in place the “ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan 2018-2022” to respond to cross-border crises, and Korea has actively participated. I hope what it achieves will be reviewed and improved every year to enhance its effectiveness. 

I also propose that the East Asia Vision Group III that was raised by Malaysia and Thailand also include research on practical measures.

Going forward, Korea will continue to make active contributions to meeting the challenges facing Asia in a concerted manner and upgrade joint response capabilities.

Second, we should redouble our efforts to cultivate future leaders.

The “Asian spirit” holds in esteem harmony with nature and human values. It can help resolve climate and environmental issues as well as usher in a people-centered future. Nurturing talented individuals in Asia is nourishing hopes for the future.

Korea is expanding its invitational training programs for science and engineering majors and vocational training teachers from ASEAN.

In particular, we’ve doubled the number of Korean universities participating in the ASEAN International Mobility for Students Programme (AIMS) this year. From next year, we will further expand our joint efforts to nurture human resources by implementing the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program that invites vocational training teachers and students from ASEAN member states.

I hope that increased investments in future generations will help accelerate the building of a “people-centered East Asian Community.”

Third, we need to further strengthen Asian connectivity.

A variety of ideas are being discussed with the aim of enhancing connectivity for the sake of regional peace and prosperity in East Asia.

Korea has been working to strengthen Asian connectivity by pursuing the New Southern Policy, and I have visited all 10 ASEAN member states to seek cooperation. Based on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency and respect for international norms, we are also working to coordinate our Policy with various other regional initiatives.

I welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders' Statement on Connecting the Connectivities Initiative. The stronger the interconnection and cooperation between ASEAN and Korea, China and Japan, the more the vision of an “East Asian Community” becomes attainable. 

Leaders of member states, 

The Korean Peninsula peace process has made significant progress thanks to ASEAN’s support and cooperation.  

Guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone have been removed and the remains of fallen soldiers are being excavated. With the complete demilitarization of the Joint Security Area, the historic meeting among the leaders of the two Koreas and the United States took place at Panmunjeom, where President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to step over the Military Demarcation Line. 

However, it can never be easy to resolve prolonged confrontation and hostility. Fortunately, the trust shared by the leaders of the United States and North Korea remains unchanged along with their commitment to dialogue. Working-level negotiations and a third summit between North Korea and the United States might prove the most crucial stage in the entire process of achieving denuclearization and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

Building upon permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, Korea aims to contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and ASEAN as a bridging nation that combines the advantages of the continent and ocean. 

The international community’s support and cooperation are needed now more than ever. I ask for your continued interest and support until the Korean Peninsula peace process concludes successfully. 

Distinguished leaders of member states, 

Today, we were able to confirm our passion for and commitment to cooperation as well as our potential once again. 

I expect that the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit and the Mekong-Republic of Korea Summit to be held in Korea from November 25 to 27 will serve as a special opportunity for Korea-ASEAN relations to make a leap forward. 

Thank you.