Vientiane, Lao PDR
October 10, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his support for the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partner initiative — a significant advancement in collaboration between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) — during the 25th ASEAN-ROK Summit which celebrated the 35th anniversary of Dialogue Relations.

President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of regional cooperation on maritime safety, environmental protection and trade relations. He also advocated for enhancing the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and welcomed the creation of the ASEAN-Korea Industrial Innovation Centre along with the expansion of educational exchanges, including the ASEAN-ROK ‘Higher Education for ASEAN Talents’ scholarship program.

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