By Kim Minji

President Moon Jae-in on Nov. 18 said in an op-ed piece submitted to the Asia News Network (ANN), "Since peace on the (Korean) Peninsula is closely related to stability throughout East Asia, I believe ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states that have actively helped advance peace through dialogue and mutual understanding over the past decades will also join in the journey toward establishing permanent peace on the Peninsula as reliable friends and advisers."

ANN is a coalition of 24 news organizations from 21 Asian nations including those from ASEAN. The president conveyed his expectations for the 2019 ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Commemorative Summit and the inaugural Mekong-ROK Summit in his piece.

Last year in December, ANN chose the president as its "Person of the Year" for 2018.

The chief executive said peace on the peninsula is closely related to stability in East Asia, adding, "I am looking forward to in-depth discussions about peace on the Peninsula and in East Asia taking place at the upcoming summits as well."

Lauding ASEAN's basic principles of consensus through dialogue and consultation, he said, "The two North Korea-United States summits held in ASEAN member states helped restart dialogue over peace on the Korean Peninsula. The ASEAN Regional Forum, in which North Korea participates, also contributes to peace on the Peninsula."

On global challenges such as protectionism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said ASEAN and Korea should jointly respond to them based on their 30 years of cooperation and propose a new vision for the future. "The ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit will serve as a venue for both sides to put our heads together to seek ways for a more prosperous and peaceful future under the banner of 'Partnership for Peace, Prosperity for People,'" he said.

"If we enhance cooperation in (transportation) infrastructure, smart cities and advanced science and technology – Korea’s strengths – we could jointly nurture innovative capabilities to respond to the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

He added, "As a responsible nation in the region, Korea will further expand regional cooperation with ASEAN, holding up mutual benefit as the most important value."

The full text of President Moon's contribution is available in the link below:

https://asianews.network/2019/11/18/coming-challenges-call-for-stronger-korea-asean-ties


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