Kuala lumpur: ASEAN and South Korea are set to adopt the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action (POA) 2026-2030, marking a significant step in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister, Park Yoon Joo, stated that the new plan will serve as a roadmap for addressing shared challenges and fostering future-oriented cooperation between both sides. "We are expected to adopt the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action 2026-2030 for the substantive implementation of the CSP," Park said during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with South Korea, which was held in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings (AMM) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

The new POA aims to tackle challenges such as global supply chain uncertainties, climate change, and transnational crime. It also seeks to enhance cooperation in areas like AI, digital transition, and green transition. Park expressed his appreciation to the Country Coordinator, Thailand, for its leadership during the drafting sessions in Jakarta and extended gratitude to the ASEAN member states for their support and trust.

Under President Lee Jae Myung's administration, South Korea is eager to deepen its partnership with ASEAN based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit. Park highlighted the alignment between Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability," and South Korea's APEC theme, "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," noting their shared spirit and the potential for synergy.

ASEAN and South Korea first established sectoral dialogue relations in November 1989, which were elevated to full dialogue partner status at the 24th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in July 1991. The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability," include 24 ministerial-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships.