Kuala lumpur: President Lee Jae Myung will present South Korea's new initiative to bolster strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a regional summit in Malaysia, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, at Monday's summit, Lee will unveil what Seoul calls the "CSP" vision, aimed at positioning South Korea as a "contributor" to support young people in ASEAN nations, a "springboard" for growth and innovation, and a "partner for peace and stability," Wi told reporters.
South Korea and ASEAN elevated their ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership-the highest level of relations extended to a dialogue partner-at last year's summit, paving the way for broader cooperation in economic, security, and social fields.
"The upcoming summit is expected to serve as the debut stage showcasing the Lee administration's emphasis on relations with ASEAN," Wi said. The trip marks Lee's first visit to Southeast Asia since taking office in June.
Lee will also propose hosting a special Korea-ASEAN summit in 2029 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations to explore ways to strengthen cooperation with the regional bloc.
He plans to share Seoul's vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula during the gathering in hopes of drawing support from ASEAN member states, the security adviser said. "We are discussing our overall approach with ASEAN and working to draw support for it," Wi said.
Asked whether a joint statement on Korean Peninsula issues could be issued, he added, "We are not excluding that possibility."
Since taking office in June, Lee has extended an olive branch to North Korea, but Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected his offers for dialogue. At the U.N. General Assembly last month, Lee unveiled his "END" initiative-standing for "exchange," "normalization," and "denuclearization"-aimed at easing tensions and improving inter-Korean relations.