S. Korea, ASEAN agree to expand economic ties ahead of special summit

By Byun Duk-kun
JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, May 31 (Yonhap) -- The secretary-general of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed Sunday to support the
expansion of economic and diplomatic ties between Korea and the 10-member
regional body as they were set to hold a special summit to mark the 20th
anniversary of establishing a dialogue partnership.
The agreement came in a meeting between the South Korean host of the special
summit, President Lee Myung-bak, and Surin Pitsuwan.
"President Lee and ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan noted the Korea-ASEAN
relations continuously improved over the 20 years since the dialogue partnership
was established in 1989," Seoul's presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, said in a
press release.
The two also noted the Korea-ASEAN relationship will further develop following
the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) on investment that is expected to
take place at the end of the two-day summit here on the southern resort island of
Jeju, it said.
The Korea-ASEAN summit will begin Monday, following the end of a two-day business
forum called the CEO Summit.
South Korean officials earlier said the signing of the investment treaty will
bring FTA negotiations between the sides to a "wholesome conclusion," as an
agreement on merchandise has been in effect since 2007, and a deal on services
since May.
"President Lee asked for the ASEAN Secretariat's special attention to and support
for the implementation of measures designed to increase cooperation between Korea
and ASEAN that will be included in the joint statement of leaders at the special
Korea-ASEAN summit," Cheong Wa Dae said.
The ASEAN secretary-general promised active support of the secretariat for
cooperation between Korea and ASEAN, it said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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