ASEAN-Korea Centre Hosts Session on the Implementation of the ASEAN-ROK CSP Vision at the 21st Jeju Forum (June 26)

ASEAN-Korea Centre Hosts Session on the Implementation of the ASEAN-ROK CSP Vision at the 21st Jeju Forum (June 26)

- Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, ASEAN Committee in Seoul, ROK MOFA official, and Southeast Asia experts joined as panelists -

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC, Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) hosted a session on the 'Implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Vision' at the 21st Jeju Forum held at The Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju on June 26.

The session was organized following the full-fledged implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2024, marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations, and the announcement of the ASEAN-ROK CSP (Contributor, Springboard, Partner) Vision at the 2025 ASEAN-ROK Summit. The Vision presents a roadmap for strengthening ASEAN-ROK cooperation across a wide range of areas from economic, social, and political-security cooperation to people-to-people exchanges. The session also addressed implementation plans for the CSP Vision and the implications of Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN for both ASEAN and ASEAN-ROK relations.

Moderated by Prof. Shin Jae-hyeok, Director of the Korea University ASEAN Center, the session featured H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the ROK; H.E. Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste; H.E. Vu Ho, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the ROK; Mr. Ha Dae-goog, Director of the ASEAN Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK; and Prof. Mieno Fumiharu, former Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University.

During the discussion, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez stated, "As this year's ASEAN Chair, the Philippines looks forward to playing an active role in advancing ASEAN-ROK relations and strengthening regional cooperation." Vice Minister Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes noted that "Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN represents an important turning point for national development and inclusive regional integration," and stressed that "Cooperation with Korea in areas such as education, vocational training, and digital transformation will lay a strong foundation for Timor-Leste's sustainable development and successful integration into the ASEAN Community building process."

Meanwhile, Prof. Mieno Fumiharu emphasized that "Economic cooperation remains the foundation of ASEAN-ROK relations," adding that "Expanding scientific, technological, and academic cooperation, alongside joint research and innovation efforts that take into account ASEAN's growth potential, will serve as an important driver of future cooperation."

This marks the AKC's second consecutive year of hosting its own session at the Jeju Forum. Since 2022, the AKC has operated the Jeju ASEAN Hall at the Jeju International Peace Center, introducing Southeast Asia's cultural and tourism resources while promoting mutual understanding between ASEAN and Korea. In 2024, the AKC designated Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 as the "ASEAN-Korea Olle" in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations. In 2025, it installed benches representing each of the ASEAN member states, creating a symbolic space for friendship and exchange between ASEAN and the ROK.

Ahead of the Jeju Forum session, the AKC held a ceremony on the afternoon of June 25 to commemorate the launch of the Timor-Leste bench on the ASEAN-Korea Olle, symbolizing its status as the 11th member state. The event was attended by H.E. António de Sá Benevides, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the ROK, and the ASEAN Committee in Seoul (ACS).

Annex 1. Session Program

Photo 1.

▲Secretary General Kim Jae-shin poses for a group photo with the "Implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Vision" Session speakers at the 21st Jeju Forum. June 26, The Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju.

Photo 2.

▲Moderator Prof. Shin Jae-hyeok, Director of the Korea University ASEAN Center holds discussion with H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the ROK; H.E. Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste; H.E. Vu Ho, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the ROK; Mr. Ha Dae-goog, Director of the ASEAN Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK; and Prof. Mieno Fumiharu, Professor of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University under the theme "Implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Vision." June 26, The Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju.

Photo 3.

▲Secretary General Kim Jae-shin poses for a photo with H.E. António de Sá Benevides, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the ROK during the commemorative ceremony of the launch of the Timor-Leste bench on the ASEAN-Korea Olle. June 25, ASEAN-Korea Olle.