(Unofficial translation)

Honorable Prime Minister Mahathir, it is my pleasure to cap off this ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit week with a summit with you. I feel grateful that I can reciprocate the warm hospitality that I received as the first state guest of Malaysia’s new administration in March. Even though the Prime Minister has made several visits to Korea, this one is all the more meaningful because it is the first official visit to the country since your re-inauguration as Prime Minister. I wholeheartedly welcome you.

With forward-looking insights, the Prime Minister has led Malaysia’s dynamic advancement. Under your leadership, Malaysia’s per capita income more than doubled, and the country achieved astronomical growth of 9 percent on average in the 1990s. Since you took office again last year, Malaysia has emerged as the heart of ASEAN’s economy, becoming the only ASEAN country with a population exceeding 10 million to have a GDP per capita above US$10,000. I sincerely respect the Prime Minister’s leadership.  

Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. We have achieved progress together, inspiring one another. Malaysia’s spirit of harmony and unity has influenced Korea, and Korea’s Saemaul Undong led to “Malaysia Boleh.” Our two countries have become close as evidenced by trade volume reaching US$20 billion and people-to-people exchanges exceeding one million last year.

Malaysia’s Look East Policy and Korea’s New Southern Policy have been harmoniously fused to help expand tangible cooperation in such fields as smart cities, the halal industry and a joint response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I hope that our two countries will further promote cooperation in specific areas, including ICT, the defense industry, healthcare and SMEs.

The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 roadmap recently announced by the Prime Minister demonstrates deep insights into national integration and sustainable growth while respecting diversity. Korea’s policy of achieving an innovative, inclusive nation also has the same goal, so I would like to discuss it today.

Asia respects the Prime Minister as the sage of ASEAN. I look forward to the Prime Minister sharing your wisdom with regard to peace on the Korean Peninsula and to bilateral cooperation leading to prosperity for all of ASEAN.