Seoul (VNA) - The 2023 ASEAN-Korea Forum, themed "Elevating ASEAN-Korea StrategicPartnership in a Changing Global Landscape”, was held on October 31 in Seoul, theRepublicꦡ of Korea (RoK).

Co-hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the Institute forEast Asian Studies, the event focused its discussions on important regionalissues and celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the ASEAN-RoKdialogue partnership. KimHae-yong, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, emphasised thesignificance of the RoK's relations with ASEAN nations and the importance ofthe Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI). "Today,the growing uncertainties and complexities in global affairs have convened ustogether in the broader Indo-Pacific region. As the name suggests,'Indo-Pacific' represents an extensive geographical coverage," he said. "Againstthis backdrop, the Korean government unveiled its Strategy for a Free, Peacefuland Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region. Recognising the significance of ASEANwithin this vast region, the Korean government announced the KASI whilecommitting to double its contribution to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund by2027 during the 23rd ASEAN-RoK Summit last year”, he added. Lookingahead, Kim highlighted the expectation for ASEAN and the RoK to expand thescope and depth of their cooperation in various dimensions, including trade andinvestment, culture and tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. KASI isa regional policy customised for Seoul's core partner ASEAN within theframework of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Speakersfocused on exploring and elevating the ASEAN-RoK strategic partnership,addressing diverse perspectives on this vital relationship. The forumencompassed sessions on policy perspectives, emerging challenges and insightsfrom the young people who represent the future of ASEAN-RoK relations. At theevent, an award ceremony for the 2023 ASEAN-Korea Academic Essay Contest was held by the ASEAN-Korea Centre. Winnersof the contest will present their essays and share their perspectives on theASEAN-RoK partnership as future players in bilateral relations. The year 2024 will mark the 35th anniversary of theestablishment of the ASEAN-RoK dialogue partnership. Both sides have agreed toelevate their partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the24th ASEAN-RoK Summit./.