Delegates join the online dialogue (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The 24th dialogue between ASEAN andthe Republic of Korea (RoK) was held via video conference on August 26.
The two sides agreed to continue effectively implementing theASEAN-Korea Action Plan, promote cooperation in preventing and mitigating theimpact of COVID-19, boost economic recovery, and enhance cooperation in priorityareas such as marine, trade, investment, connectivity, micro, small and mediumenterprise development, energy and food security, cultural exchanges, people-to-peopleexchanges, natural disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation.
ASEAN member states consider the RoK a long-standing and close partnerof the bloc and have recognised its cooperation and active support for efforts buildingthe ASEAN Community.
They also welcomed the RoK doubling its financial contribution to theASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund from 7 million USD to 14 million USD, and thankedthe country for donating 1 million USD to the ASEAN Fund in response toCOVID-19, presenting a package of medical equipment and supplies worth 5million USD, providing postgraduate scholarships worth 8 million USD to ASEANcountries, and making available 6 million USD for implementing people-to-peopleexchanges.
The RoK, meanwhile, affirmed it will beef up cooperation with ASEANthrough the 10-million USD COVID-19 rapid response programme as well asstrengthen coordination with the bloc in studying and developing vaccines andmedicines.
It also pledged to support ASEAN in developing its digital economy andovercoming the economic impact of the pandemic.
In regard to the regional and international situation, the two sidesagreed to work closely in promoting dialogue, building trust, and contributingto maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.
They urged stakeholders to resume dialogue, fully implement resolutions fromthe UN Security Council and agreements, promote cooperation, and maintainpeace, stability, and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula.
The RoK supports ASEAN’s stance on and emphasised the importance ofmaintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation andoverflight in the East Sea, respecting international law, and addressing any disputesvia peaceful means and international law.
Representing Vietnam which is the Chair of ASEAN 2020, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung, who is also head ofSOM ASEAN Vietnam, highlighted ASEAN’s efforts and solidarity in a “cohesiveand responsive” spirit to overcome the difficulties posed by the globalpandemic.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)
He spoke highly of the RoK’s role in coordinating with China and Japanto successfully host the special ASEAN Plus 3 Summit on COVID-19 response.
The diplomat called on the RoK to actively support the ASEAN Fund forCOVID-19 response and the ASEAN regional emergency medical material reserve.
He affirmed that ASEAN will continue promoting relations with itspartners, including the RoK, in a spirit of mutual trust and respect, win-win cooperation,and respect for law, and will join hands to maintain peace, security,centrality, and stability in Southeast Asia.
The 10 ASEAN member countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.
