By Kim Young Deok and Yoon Sojung 

President Moon Jae-in began his six-day overseas trip on the morning of Nov. 13 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting. 

In Singapore, President Moon will attend the Korea-ASEAN and ASEAN+3 summits as well as the East Asia Summit from Nov. 13 to 16. He will then visit Papua New Guinea from Nov. 17 and 18 where he will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and will meet with leaders of Russia and Australia. 

While in Singapore, President Moon will focus on expanding cooperation with ASEAN member states to bolster cooperation for the New Southern Policy of his administration.

The president will propose the hosting of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea special summit next year as this year marks the 30th anniversary of establishing a dialogue relationship between Korea and ASEAN. He will also express his will to host the first Korea-Mekong summit in order to set up a foothold in the Mekong region which has been considered the “next Vietnam” and to support the ASEAN’s goal of narrowing the development gap among regions. 

On Nov. 14, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit will be held in Singapore which will be attended by leaders of 10 ASEAN member states, Korea, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India. The RCEP is considered a “mega free trade agreement” as it deals with a large-scale economic bloc, which accounts for a half of the world’s total population or one third of the world’s GDP. 

In regard to the RCEP, Cheong Wa Dae explained on Nov. 7 that, “The upcoming meeting will remind everyone of the importance of the RCEP where leaders will express their will to reach agreement on free trade.” 

After Singapore, President Moon will move to Papua New Guinea where he will attend the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Nov. 17 and 18. In the APEC meeting, he will propose Korea’s vision to build “an innovative, inclusive nation” and will emphasize cooperation to boost the inclusiveness within the Asia-Pacific region. 

In the APEC summit, President Moon will propose the establishment of an “APEC digital innovation fund” designed to help the Asia-Pacific region better prepare for the digital future. Prior to the APEC summit, President Moon will participate in the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) where he will urge APEC business leaders to work together for economic integration for free trade and investment. 

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