Second strategic dialogue between ASEAN - Korean research institutions

On October 6th, 2020 at Lotte Hotel, Hanoi, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, as a representative of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN - ISIS) and Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) jointly held the 2nd Annual Strategic Dialogue between ASEAN - Korea research institutions on the topic: “ASEAN - Korea relations steps into a new decade: Moving towards to a common strategic vision ”.

The dialogue was held in form of online discussion connecting 11 positions in the capitals of ASEAN countries and South Korea, with the participation of representatives of 10 ASEAN - ISIS members, KNDA and other research institutes of South Korea, together with diplomatic representatives in Hanoi and Seoul. The dialogue was an opportunity for delegates to share their views on the new strategic context of the world and the region in the post-COVID-19 period and the impacts on Southeast Asian countries and Korea, and hence propose recommendations to promote the relations between the two sides.

In his opening speech, Deputy Director of Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son said that the COVID-19 pandemic had reinforced many trends that were happening in the world and the region, including conflicts in US - China relations. It made the situation increasingly uncertain. , unpredictable and more challenging for small and medium countries such as ASEAN countries and South Korea. In that context, strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Korea, including promoting dialogue on strategic issues between research institutions, was of great importance. Sharing the above statement, Director of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Mr. Joon Hyung Kim, affirmed that ASEAN had become one of the focal points in Korea's foreign policy. Chairman of the Committee of the Presidential Office of South Korea's New South Policy (NSP) affirmed that facing difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN and Korea should take advantage of opportunities to promote cooperation, uphold the achieved results, and establish long-term sustainable partnerships. Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute for International Affairs and ASEAN - ISIS 2020 emphasized that ASEAN and Korea should promote measures to consolidate confidence, strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the countries.

At the Dialogue, delegates analyzed the complex and rapid fluctuations in the current world and regional situation such as increased powers competition, protectionism, populism in international relations, challenges for multilateral cooperation mechanisms… especially under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and spread. In that context, many countries have been under pressure in relations with powers. At the same time, they would face an economic recession and the risk of social instability. On the other hand, challenges and upheavals also open up many opportunities and increase the need for cooperation including promoting innovation, creativity and digital economy in the region, especially between mid-range forces such as ASEAN and South Korea. On the basis of a substantive assessment of the new South Korean Policy’s implementation, the delegates commented that the New Southbound Policy was introduced by Korea at a strategic time showing Korea’s active commitment to regional cooperation.

Closer cooperation between ASEAN and South Korea will contribute to promoting ASEAN's centrality as well as increasing the mid-range force position of both sides. In order to promote the ASEAN - Korea cooperation relations in the period of 2021-2025, the delegates recommended that ASEAN and Korea should continue to effectively implement the agreed cooperative contents. First of all, the two sides should work together to remedy and control the pandemic, as well as recover the post-COVID-19 economy. The two sides need to harmonize bilateral relations between Korea and each Southeast Asian country, as well as in the regional mechanisms initiated by ASEAN. The fields of cooperation that have potential and should be prioritized include infrastructure development, the digital economy, water security in the Mekong sub-region, and training of high-quality human resources.

With two dynamic, substantial and open sessions, the Dialogue was Track II diplomacy with practical significance to contribute to the implementation of the Action Plan executing The Joint Vision Statement for Peace, Prosperity and ASEAN - Korea Partnerships for the period 2021 - 2025, and at the same time contribute to the overall efforts and success of Vietnam in the ASEAN Chair 2020./.