The 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Dialogue reviewed ASEAN-ROK cooperation in various areas, including response to the COVID-19 pandemic, equitable distribution of vaccines, political and security issues, economic recovery, and social and cultural exchanges.

On 6 July 2021, Mr. Asi Mamanee, Ambassador Attached to the Ministry, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, attended the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Dialogue via video conference. The Senior Officials from ASEAN Member States and H.E. Mr. Yeo Seung-bae, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the ROK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the Meeting.

The Meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN-ROK cooperation in a number of areas, such as response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including equitable distribution of vaccines, political and security issues, economic recovery, and social and cultural exchanges. The Meeting also discussed the preparations for the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the ROK, scheduled in August 2021, and the 22nd ASEAN-ROK Summit in October 2021.

Thailand proposed ways forward to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK with a view to promoting resilient and sustainable socio-economic recovery in the post COVID-19 era. Priority areas include promotion of economic integration and supply chain connectivity with an early entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP, as well as digital transformation through the ASEAN-ROK ICT Work Plan. More investments from the ROK in connectivity projects under the “Connecting the Connectivities” Initiative and on smart and environment-friendly infrastructure development as well as future industries are also encouraged. Thailand also invited ASEAN and the ROK to explore possible cooperation on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model.

The Meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea and in Myanmar.