Ambassador Vu Ho, Head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, believes that the relationship between ASEAN and Korea will increasingly promote mutual understanding. The younger generation are the future of ASEAN, Southeast Asia and Korea.
The ASEAN - Korea Cultural Exchange Week in Danang opens on December 12
“2023 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the RoK. I firmly believe that our new relationship will promote mutual understanding between our youth. These days people tend to move increasingly to foreign countries, which promotes cultural exchange and especially benefits the young.” said Ambassador Vu Ho. He then stated that Danang is the ideal city for Korean youth to learn the most about life in Vietnam.
The event was well-attended
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao Embassy in Russia, Ms. Khamphao Ernthavanh, stated that Korea was the fifth largest trade partner of ASEAN, in terms of economic cooperation, and the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Bilateral trade turnover between ASEAN and Korea reached $22.8 billion, while FDI capital flows from Korea to ASEAN increased to $12.7 billion. Besides cooperating economically, Korea also launched a capacity building program for ASEAN students, using Korea's human resource development strategies.
Mr. Denny Abdi, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Vietnam, noted that more and more Koreans work in other ASEAN countries, study or go on vacation. Korean TV dramas, Kpop, the Korean language and cuisine have now become popular among young people throughout ASEAN, while many Koreans are now conversant with other ASEAN cultures, which makes cultural difference the basis for stronger cooperation. In the future, youth continue to play a key role in this, and a priority of Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship is to focus on promoting the role of youth in the region, as digital champions and ambassadors for peace.
The Consul General of Korea in Danang, Kang Boosung, stressed that the ASEAN - Korea week broadened the horizon of exchange opportunities between Korea and ASEAN, moving beyond the bilateral relationship between Korea and Vietnam. “I hope that the ASEAN - Korea Cultural Exchange Week will promote understanding between the entire ASEAN and Korea regions, enhancing mutual trust and economic cooperation", said Mr. Kang.
The ASEAN - Korea Cultural Exchange Week closes on December 16
According to Ms. Khamphao Ernthavanh, 2024 is ‘Visit Laos Year’, which was kicked off in Vientiane on November 23. Laos has been appointed to the 2024 Chairmanship ASEAN, with the theme: ‘Strengthening ASEAN's Resilience and Connectivity’. She added that: "Preparation for the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship is on track and progressing well. The final priority areas for the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship will be announced at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat), from January 28 to 29, in Luang Prabang, a World Heritage City."
(Media Center)