KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made his Asean Summit debut since taking office in June, promising stronger trade, closer people-to-people ties and tougher action against transnational crime.
Lee joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other regional leaders at the 26th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where both sides stressed regional stability and shared growth amid global economic uncertainty.
As summit chair, Anwar called for closer cooperation to strengthen resilience against economic shifts, technological disruption and changing supply chains.
He said progress “must come and can be enhanced through collaboration and cooperation” even as geopolitical rivalries widen.
“Our relations have grown over three decades into a model of trust, mutual respect and shared benefit,” he added.
Trade between the two sides topped US$200 billion in 2024, highlighting strong and resilient economic ties.
“By combining Asean’s growth potential with Korea’s strength, we can create new opportunities, foster inclusive growth and open markets.
“You must develop human capital that’s future-ready to lead change.”
Ahead of the summit, Lee met the Korean community in Malaysia and vowed stronger protection for their rights and safety abroad.
He also outlined plans to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership forged with Asean last year and floated a special Korea-Asean summit in 2029 to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties.
“South Korea will expand two-way exchanges to 15 million visits a year, raise annual trade to US$300 billion and act as a partner for peace and stability through maritime security, disaster response and tackling transnational crime,” Lee said.
He warned organised criminal networks, including scam centres, were growing in border regions with weak rule of law, putting young people at risk of trafficking and cybercrime.
“The Korean National Police Agency will work with ASEANAPOL to dismantle these hubs and expand criminal-justice cooperation bilaterally and within Asean,” he said.
