ASEAN-Korea Center Secretary General Kim Jae-shin delivers a speech at his inauguration in Seoul on Monday. Courtesy of the ASEAN-Korea Center
By Kim Hyun-bin
The ASEAN-Korea Center hosted a reception to commemorate the inauguration of its sixth Secretary-General, Kim Jae-shin, and to welcome the visit of ASEAN Secretary-General Gao Kim Horne.
The event was attended by 120 distinguished guests, including representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs, diplomatic corps and media representatives, as well as business, cultural and academic leaders.
Kim was appointed during the 16th annual meeting of the Council of the ASEAN-Korea Center in February 2024.
„As far as I know, ASEAN ambassadors in Seoul are known for their active diplomatic engagement. Today’s ASEAN ambassadors and guests are pillars on which the ASEAN-Korea Center relies heavily. I hope we will continue to cooperate closely as friends and partners,” Kim said.
At the opening ceremony, Kim outlined his vision for improving ASEAN-Korea relations.
Kim outlined three key priorities for the ASEAN-Korea Center over the next three years, including supporting sustainable and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Korea economic cooperation initiatives, facilitating tourism and cultural exchanges through capacity-building programs, and promoting unity and cooperation between ASEAN and Korea. Building communication and awareness.
„Asean and Korea mark a significant milestone this year as they mark the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations. To commemorate and continue to enhance these relations, preparations are underway to elevate our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the ASEAN-Korea Summit scheduled for this October,” he said.
After the reception, an official dinner was held in honor of Gao Kim Haur. The dinner provided a platform to discuss strategies to advance ASEAN-Korea relations and strengthen cooperation between the ASEAN-Korea Center and the ASEAN Secretariat.