President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the Philippines and China from November 16 to 19 to attend ASEAN-related summits and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. His agenda includes securing regional support for the resumption of inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea dialogue and enhancing cooperation on energy supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and transnational crime, which directly impact national safety and business activities.
National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac announced the itinerary during a briefing at the Blue House on November 12. After attending the ASEAN-related summits in Manila, President Yoon will travel to Shenzhen, China, for the APEC meetings, returning home on November 19.
On the first day, November 16, he will participate in the Korea-ASEAN Summit, where he will share key achievements related to the 'Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Vision' proposed last year. Discussions will focus on expanding cooperation with ASEAN, a key partner in Korea's economy and diplomacy, and proposing ways to enhance the entry of Korean companies into future sectors such as AI and cultural industries.
Following this, at the Korea-Mekong Summit, he will express the commitment to developing strategic partnerships and discuss deepening cooperation in critical minerals and transnational crime response.
On the morning of November 17, he will attend the ASEAN+3 Summit, where he will outline future cooperation directions for the group, which is approaching its 30th anniversary next year. Crisis responses in food and energy sectors will be key agenda items.
Later that day, he will attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) for the first time since taking office. He plans to explain the government's stance on regional issues such as online scams and share the vision for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. He will seek support and constructive contributions from regional countries for the government's efforts to resume inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea dialogue and establish lasting peace.
President Yoon's schedule in Shenzhen will begin on November 18. Upon arrival, he will participate in the APEC CEO Summit and attend a welcome dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the main APEC summit on the morning of November 19, he will discuss the theme 'Building a Prosperous Asia-Pacific Community: Openness, Innovation, Cooperation' with fellow leaders. President Yoon is expected to share Korea's policy experiences and express his commitment to contributing to APEC's development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region as last year's chair.
He will particularly focus on solidifying discussions on AI cooperation and responses to demographic changes, which Korea led during last year's APEC summit in Gyeongju, as core agenda items. He will also urge the need for collaborative responses to energy supply chain shocks originating from the Middle East and the restoration of multilateral trade order.
The Blue House has outlined the goals of this trip as the continued implementation of a vision for regional multilateral diplomacy and 'diplomacy that citizens and businesses can feel.' Following last year's APEC summit in Gyeongju, the aim is to materialize cooperation outcomes leading to the 2029 Korea-ASEAN Special Summit.
Director Wi noted that the investigative cooperation between the Korean police and ASEAN nations, proposed by President Yoon last year, has been realized as the first Korea-ASEAN police cooperation project. This initiative is establishing an additional safety net for the 9 million Korean citizens who visit the ASEAN region annually.
Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Wi stated, 'We will request ongoing support and constructive contributions from regional countries for our government's efforts to resume inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea dialogue and establish lasting peace.'
President Yoon also plans to engage in separate meetings with leaders of major countries during the two multilateral summits. Director Wi emphasized, 'We will build mutual trust and strengthen practical cooperation through various forms of separate contacts with leaders of major countries.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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