>>> PM proposes ASEAN-RoK cooperation orientations
In his speech at the session, PM Phuc proposed a number of directions to promote cooperation for connectivity between the RoK and ASEAN, including connecting and developing infrastructure at seaport along the strategic shipping route from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific linking Southeast Asia with Northeast Asia.
He asked the RoK to accelerate the disbursement of capital from the Global Infrastructure Fund to support ASEAN’s infrastructure projects.
The Vietnamese PM said with its technological strength, especially digital technology, the RoK is in a good position to assist ASEAN businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in adapting to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital economy.
Phuc suggested ASEAN and the RoK strongly invest in connecting people, facilitating travel, tourism, and promoting the flow of skilled labourers between the two sides.
ASEAN leaders emphasised that connectivity is ASEAN's high priority in its effort to promote regional connectivity and build the ASEAN Community.
They expressed thanks to the RoK’s effective support for the grouping in implementing master plans on ASEAN connectivity in the periods of 2010-2015 and 2015-2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) to narrow the development gap; developing human resources, vocational training, smart cities, roads, railways and sea routes to connect areas in ASEAN.
ASEAN member nations want to expand comprehensive cooperation with the RoK in the fields of infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and people-to-people exchange, they said.
For his part, Moon affirmed that his country will actively cooperate with ASEAN to foster the regional connectivity.
During the working lunch on promoting peace in the Korean Peninsula on the same day, ASEAN and RoK leaders applauded historic positive progress in dialogues for peace and denuclearisation in the Peninsula, including the inter-Korean and US-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea summits.
ASEAN leaders highly appreciated efforts made by the RoK government and President Moon in promoting the peace process in the Korean Peninsula, affirming ASEAN's willingness to support and contribute to joint efforts towards sustainable peace and denuclearisation in the Peninsula, including creating conditions for parties to intensify dialogue within ASEAN-led forums.
Talking about the issue, PM Phuc affirmed that along with other ASEAN countries, Vietnam supports dialogue to reduce tension, while calling on parties concerned to strictly implement Resolutions of the UN Security Council on denuclearisation, towards building a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.
On the same day, PM Phuc along with President Moon and leaders of ASEAN member states attended the ASEAN-RoK Start-up Summit in Busan.
