Moon vows to increase cooperation with ASEAN

President Moon Jae-in on Monday unveiled his vision of "New Southern Policy" and, as part of the vision, proposed "ASEAN-ROK Future Community Vision" that aims to expand cooperation between Korea and ASEAN countries in the areas of transportation, energy, water management and information technology.

He added that Korea will simplify its visa issuance process for visitors from ASEAN countries. The New Southern Policy is a part of Moon's balanced diplomacy strategy that plans to enhance trade with ASEAN to the level its trade with China and puts importance on people, peace and prosperity (3P).

In his speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, President Moon said, "ASEAN and Korea are key partners. We are walking toward the same direction of democratization and economic development after overcoming a painful history of colonial rule." He went on to share his vision of joint community that aims to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to the level of community and engage in ways beyond just being strategic partners.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, Moon designated this year as the "ASEAN-ROK Cultural Exchange Year" and vowed to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

"It is my goal to elevate Korea’s relations with the ASEAN to the level of its relations with the four major countries around the Korean Peninsula,” said President Moon. “I plan to visit all 10 ASEAN member countries within my presidency to share deep friendship.”

weappon@donga.com