This pledge was made during the ASEAN-RoK summit in Laos after the two sides elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is their first upgrade of relations in 14 years after they forged a lower-level strategic partnership in 2010. The RoK is ASEAN's sixth dialogue partner to have the highest-level of ties after the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and India.

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (6th, L) pose for a photo with leaders of ASEAN nations in Laos, Oct. 10, 2024.

Addressing the summit, Yoon said that as partners for shared prosperity, the two sides will push for comprehensive cooperation covering a wide range of areas.

At the event, both sides agreed to establish a Korea-ASEAN defense ministers' meeting and expand cooperation in maritime security and the defense industry, and advance collaboration in key areas, including trade and investment, digital technology, cybersecurity, clean energy and supply chains, and advanced technologies like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and batteries.

As part of their initiatives, they will launch a digital innovation flagship project later this year, with US$30 million worth of investments planned through 2028.

In the clean energy sector, the two sides will join hands to reduce carbon and methane emissions under the $19 million ASEAN-Korea Cooperation on Methane Mitigation project over the next three years.

The RoK and ASEAN also agreed to upgrade their free trade agreement signed in 2007 to better reflect the changing business environment.

ASEAN is the RoK's second-largest trading partner and investment destination, with bilateral trade reaching $187.2 billion last year.

The ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund was established in 1990 to promote projects agreed in three major areas, including development cooperation, human resources, and cultural and academic exchanges.

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