Your Majesty, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,


President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung. Mr. President, we are like the Koreans, very precise on time.


On behalf of my ASEAN colleagues, let me express our thanks to you to join us.


And of course, a rather belated but congratulations for being at the helm of the leadership in the Republic of Korea and this is also your first ASEAN – Republic of Korea Summit.


You know that the relations have gone from the last three decades, a model of trust, respect, and beneficial to both ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.


You are aware, Mr. President and colleagues, that we are meeting at a time of technological disruption, strategic competition, and fragmented supply chains.


But amid these forces, ASEAN and the Republic of Korea stand out as nations that progress must come and can be enhanced through collaboration and cooperation.


In 2024, trade between us exceeded 200 billion US dollars, reflecting the strength and resilience of our trade ties.


You are passing through Kuala Lumpur. I showed you the Twin Tower and how the Koreans did and contribute and kamsahamnida to you now.


By combining ASEAN’s growth potential with the Republic of Korea’s strength, we can shape an ecosystem that creates new opportunities, fostering inclusive growth, open markets.


We must develop human capital that’s future-ready to prepare our peoples to lead change.


So, I look forward to your discussions with His Majesty and Excellencies in this ASEAN – Republic of Korea Dialogue.

President, it is now my pleasure to invite you, President Lee Jae Myung, the President of the Republic of Korea, to deliver his opening remarks.

Thank you.