SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT LEE CONCLUDES VISIT TO MALAYSIA

By Muhammad Adil Muzaffar Mohd Fisol

SEPANG, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for home Monday after attending the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

Lee left at 4 pm following a red carpet send-off, which included a guard of honour mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

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Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi was present the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to bid farewell to the President and his delegation.

Lee’s two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur marks his first trip to Southeast Asia since taking office in June.

At the 26th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit today, held as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Lee outlined Seoul’s initiative to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) forged with ASEAN last year and proposed hosting a special South Korea-ASEAN Summit in 2029 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

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The ‘CSP Vision,’ based on ASEAN’s highest-level partnership framework, aims to position South Korea as a ‘contributor’ for dreams and hope, a ‘springboard’ for growth and innovation, and a ‘partner’ for peace and stability.

Under the initiative, Lee said South Korea seeks to expand reciprocal visits to 15 million people annually and raise bilateral trade to US$300 billion, while playing a more active role in combating transnational crimes, enhancing maritime security and supporting disaster relief to help ensure regional peace and stability.

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair 2025, is currently hosting over 30 world leaders, including those from the ASEAN region as well as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, to deepen engagement and cooperation while addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern.

-- BERNAMA