Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
INTERVIEW Former Indonesian foreign minister highlights importance of expanding Korea-ASEAN cooperation
Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda / Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
By Kim Hyun-bin
Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda underscored the significance of strengthening relations between Korea and ASEAN during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Tuesday, emphasizing the substantial opportunities that could benefit both sides.
"ASEAN's dynamic economic growth makes it an attractive opportunity for Korea," he said, highlighting the potential of a vast market with over 700 million people and a growing middle class.
Wirajuda highlighted the importance of Korea when expanding its trade relations with various ASEAN member states.
"Nearly half of Korean exports are primarily directed to Vietnam. Vietnam is the recipient of a significant portion of Korean exports, particularly in the electronics sector, which often results in products being returned to Korea," Wirajuda said, emphasizing the benefits of trading with ASEAN members.
“Since 2002, ASEAN has aimed at developing capital and skilled labor, resulting in approximately 3,000 credit items enjoying low tariffs ranging from zero to five percent."
Regarding the broader Korean-ASEAN relationship, he acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts in the Indo-Pacific region.
"While there are plenty of opportunities for intra-East Asian cooperation, we should not ignore the potential for conflicts or open conflicts in the region," Wirajuda said.
He emphasized the need for ASEAN and Korea to work together to foster regional stability and act as an anchor in a changing world and stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional tensions, drawing from ASEAN's experience in developing a strong habit of dialogue despite differences in culture, language and traditions.
"Through dialogue among regional players, we hope to create a regional order that fosters peace and stability," he said.
Wirajuda concluded by highlighting the strong ties between Korea and Indonesia whose diplomatic relations date back to the 1960s.
"Indonesia and Korea established a strategic partnership in 2006, which marked an agreement at the highest level to expand and deepen various aspects of bilateral relations," he said.
He emphasized that the early foundations of this partnership have served as platforms for developing broader and deeper cooperation in various domains.
"We have made considerable progress in our bilateral political, economic, social, cultural and military cooperation, particularly in the military industry. Indonesia takes pride in the strong relations we have developed with Korea from an Indonesian perspective," Wirajuda said.