Jeong Eui-yong Emphasizes Korean Peninsula Peace Process at ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] On the 3rd, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula issue, the Myanmar situation, COVID-19 response, and economic recovery measures at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) +3 (Korea, China, Japan) Foreign Ministers' Meeting held via video conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 4th.

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong attended the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th, reporting on the content and achievements of the Korea-US summit./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Minister Chung emphasized to the foreign ministers of the participating countries that diplomacy and dialogue based on existing inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. agreements are essential for substantial progress toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace.

He then requested support at the ASEAN+3 level so that the peace process on the Korean Peninsula can continue to advance, taking advantage of the recent restoration of inter-Korean communication lines.

While urging the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and the prompt release of detainees, he stated that the Korean government will continue to seek ways to contribute, including providing humanitarian aid, to resolve the Myanmar issue.

Minister Chung expressed his intention to continue participating in discussions on the stockpiling system for essential medical supplies promoted at the ASEAN+3 level.

The participating countries agreed on the importance of creating a free and open trade and investment environment to overcome the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and decided to make further efforts for the early implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

On the evening of the 4th, Minister Chung will attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and on the 6th, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The ARF is the only regional multilateral security consultation body in which North Korea participates, and attention is focused on what position North Korea will take regarding the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula.