Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Oct. 10 agreed to form a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch joint projects in diverse sectors.

President Yoon Suk Yeol adopted a joint statement to that effect at the 25th ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos.

The statement pledged higher cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy, creative industries, smart agriculture and renewable energy, as well as pursuing initiatives for the environment and climate change response including the Partnership for ASEAN-ROK Methane Action.

They also agreed to stimulate trade and investment through a bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while creating a ¡°conducive and favourable environment¡± for ASEAN and Korean business such as the ASEAN-ROK Business Council.

Both sides agreed to invest in ¡°educational, cultural, youth exchange programmes to foster cross-cultural understanding and educational opportunities¡± and raise ¡°human resources, including through capacity building as well as technical and vocational education and training.¡±

In his opening speech, President Yoon said, ¡°As a partner for joint prosperity, Korea will continue diplomacy focused on ASEAN and pursue comprehensive and all-around cooperation,¡± adding, ¡°Based on the highest partnership level, Korea and ASEAN will write a new history of the future together.¡±

The same day, President Yoon attended a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, their first talks since the prime minister assumed office on Sept. 1.

¡°Relations between Korea and Japan have seen high positive advancement since my visit to Japan in March last year,¡± the president said. ¡°I believe this change was possible thanks to unwavering trust between the leaders of both countries.¡±

¡°The coming year of 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan,¡± he added. ¡°I hope that we can present a promising future for bilateral ties and work closely so that people from both countries can feel that relations took a huge step forward.¡±

Both leaders also agreed on the growing need to raise bilateral cooperation in regional and global issues and expand the horizons for such collaboration on the global stage.