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SEOUL: It is a milestone in South Korea's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The opening of the ASEAN-Korea Centre by the South Korean Prime Minister and its Foreign Minister reflects the importance of bilateral ties.
South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung Soo said: "The ASEAN-Korea Centre will contribute to deepening mutual understanding and thus forging even closer ties between ASEAN and Korea by accelerating trade and investment, invigorating tourism, and enriching cultural exchanges."
For a long time, South Korea's diplomatic ties were focused on the United States, China, Japan and Europe.
But things are changing. Over the past three years, ASEAN has emerged as South Korea's third largest trading partner while the country's investment in ASEAN also soared from US$500 million to US$3.6 billion.
As the two sides mark the 20th anniversary of the Korean-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, ASEAN is hoping for more co-operation, through President Lee Myung-bak's "New Asia Initiative".
Singapore's Ambassador to South Korea, Chua Thai Keong, said: The potential in this relationship is enormous, given ASEAN's population of about 570 million. So we look forward to working closely with President Lee Myung Bak to strengthen this important relationship in ASEAN as a major pillar of his new Asia policy.
Under the plan, Mr Lee has invited the leaders from the 10 ASEAN member countries for a summit on Jeju Island in early June.
Some experts said the New Asia Initiative will allow South Korea to maintain its influence in Asia.
The world, including Asian neighbours, will be closely watching to see what actions Seoul will pursue to achieve its goal or if the whole matter is just a political show. - CNA/vm
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