ASEAN-Korea Centre holds inauguration ceremony for new secretary-general
Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin of the ASEAN-Korea Centre delivers a speech during his inauguration ceremony in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
The ASEAN-Korea Centre hosted a reception to commemorate the inauguration of its sixth Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin and to welcome the visit of the Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn.
The event brought together 120 distinguished guests, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic corps and media, as well as business, cultural and academic leaders.
Kim was appointed during the 16th annual meeting of the Council of the ASEAN-Korea Centre in February.
"As far as I know, the ASEAN ambassadors here in Seoul are known for their active diplomatic engagements. The ASEAN ambassadors and guests present today are the pillars on which the ASEAN-Korea Centre relies the most. I hope we will continue to cooperate closely as friends and partners," Kim said.
At the inauguration reception, Kim outlined his vision for enhancing ASEAN-Korea relations, particularly during this milestone year marking the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations.
Kim highlighted three key priorities for the ASEAN-Korea Centre over the next three years, including supporting sustainable and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Korea economic cooperation initiatives, facilitating tourism and cultural exchanges through capacity-building programs and enhancing solidarity and collaboration between ASEAN and Korea by fostering communication and raising awareness.
"ASEAN and Korea mark a significant milestone as this year is the 35th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations. To commemorate and continuously develop these relations, preparations are underway to elevate our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the ASEAN-Korea Summit scheduled for this October," he said.
Following the reception, an official dinner was held in honor of Kao Kim Hourn. The dinner provided a platform for discussing strategies to advance ASEAN-Korea relations and reinforce collaboration between the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the ASEAN Secretariat.