Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun on Nov. 21 speaks at a ceremony to mark the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations between Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, Laos. (ASEAN’s official Facebook page)
By Aisylu Akhmetzianova
Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun on Nov. 21 said, “With the Korea-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship raised this year to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, we will match this by developing such ties in defense.”
His ministry said he was speaking at a ceremony to mark the 35th anniversary of bilateral dialogue relations on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos.
Minister Kim presented three principles of cooperation at the event: raising ASEAN centrality, promoting international law and a rules-based international order, and producing tangible results for both Korea and ASEAN.
In addition, three priority projects for cooperation were officially suggested in maritime security, defense cooperation and peacekeeping operations.
Among collaborative projects with ASEAN, the Republic of Korea Navy proposed for 2026 bilateral conference for naval chiefs of staff, symposium for maritime cooperation and joint training at sea. A Korea-ASEAN conference on defense industry cooperation will take place next year.
Minister Kim also held a series of bilateral talks with Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, Thai Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai and Lao Minister of National Defence Chansamone Chanyalath.
aisylu@korea.kr
