New Asia Initiative
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
The ASEAN-Korea Summit will provide a crucial opportunity for President Lee Myung-bak to share his new diplomatic doctrine called ``New Asia Initiative.''
Under the initiative, announced in March during his trip to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, Korea aims to improve its relations with all Asian nations and promote their common interests on the global stage.
The new doctrine shows Seoul's resolve to expand the scope of its diplomacy beyond East Asia, Europe and the United States and upgrade relations with more regional partners in the areas of security and culture.
While seeking free trade deals with Southeast Asian countries, the CEO-turned-President has been actively seeking joint projects in Central Asia to secure stable sources of energy and natural resources.
``The initiative aims to open a new era of Korea's closer cooperation with all countries in the Asia-Pacific region,'' presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan said.
``Korea has focused on diplomacy with Northeast Asian countries, but starting this year, will pay more attention to upgrading relations with more regional partners.
``We will actively engage in talks to strengthen not only economic ties, but also security and cultural exchanges,'' spokesman Lee said.
The initiative reflects President Lee's resolve to help promote Asia's interests in the world.
The administration plans to increase economic contributions to developing countries in Asia and promote cultural exchanges based on the growing popularity of Korean dramas and pop songs in Asia.
``We are seeking to sign more free trade agreements with Asia-Pacific countries as part of efforts to strengthen regional economic cooperation,'' said Kwon Jong-rak, the first vice foreign minister. ``By establishing an FTA network around the Asia-Pacific countries, we will consolidate a basis to spur trade, investment and cooperation in the service sectors.''