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.
ASEAN-Korea Centre convenes 16th Annual Council Meeting, approves key appointments
ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) Secretary-General Kim Hae-yong, sixth from left, poses with ambassadors to Korea and other diplomatic missions during the 16th Annual Meeting of the Council of the AKC in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of AKC
By Kim Hyun-bin
The 16th Annual Council Meeting of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) took place in Seoul, Wednesday. Esteemed government officials from the 10 ASEAN member states and Korea, alongside council directors, participated in a thorough evaluation of last year's accomplishments and approved proposed programs and budgets for the forthcoming year.
The meeting was not only a platform for deliberating on past accomplishments and future endeavors but also served as a networking opportunity. Approximately 150 key stakeholders from embassies of ASEAN member states in Seoul, relevant organizations, academia and media attended a reception, fostering stronger ties and paving the way for collaborative efforts ahead.
This year's meeting carried particular significance as it marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and Korea and the 15th anniversary of the AKC's establishment. Furthermore, it was underscored by the anticipation surrounding the elevation of the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the upcoming ASEAN-ROK Summit in October.
Highlighting its role as the sole inter-governmental organization dedicated to ASEAN-Korea relations, the AKC outlined its mid-to-long-term strategies and discussed key flagship programs slated for the year.
One of the notable outcomes of the meeting was the confirmation of Kim Jae-shin as the new secretary-general. Kim, a seasoned diplomat and former Korean ambassador to the Philippines and Germany, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Additionally, the terms of four seconded officials from Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia and the Philippines came to an end, with successors from Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore set to commence their tenure in March 2024.
With the appointment of the new secretary-general and the influx of incoming seconded officials, the AKC aims to bolster its efforts in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between ASEAN and Korea. Key programs planned for this year include the International Conference on ASEAN-Korea Partnership 2024, ASEAN Week 2024, next generation programs such as the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop and the 12th ASEAN Connectivity Forum.