Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Eui-yong (left) in the meeting with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his visit to Vietnam in June. (Photo: VNA)Chung made the call during a virtual ASEAN-RoK foreignministers meeting on August 3 where he reiterated Seoul's resolve to deepenthe partnership with the bloc under its signature New Southern Policy.
"The pandemic is exacerbating inequalities amongcountries, as well as within countries, and continues to undermine global andregional stability," Chung said in his opening remarks at the meeting.
"In our fight against COVID-19, no country is safeuntil every country is safe. Therefore, we need strong global solidarity andcooperation," he added.
Chung recalled his visits to Vietnam, Singapore andIndonesia in June, portraying the trip as a glimpse at how the ASEAN-RoKpartnership has flourished under the New Southern Policy.
The policy is serving as a strong platform for deepeningthe bilateral partnership ably augmented by active support and cooperation fromASEAN, he said. "I look forward to visiting more ASEAN countries in thenear future to continue our dialogue."
This week, Chung plans to join a series of virtualsessions led by ASEAN, including an ASEAN plus three meeting that involvesChina and Japan, the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
He is expected to use those sessions to cement the RoK'sregional policy, enhance cooperation against the pandemic and call forparticipants' support for Seoul's drive to foster lasting peace on the KoreanPeninsula./.
VNA
