Speeches & Statements

Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Republic of Korea

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030)

 

ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have cultivated a strong and enduring partnership, founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. This relationship was further elevated with the establishment of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2024, reaffirming both sides' resolute commitment to advancing deeper cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges, and to working together toward a smarter, and a more sustainable, resilient, and connected future.

This Plan of Action (POA) builds upon the significant achievements made in the relations between ASEAN and the ROK and the successful implementation of the previous POAs, to advance the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in line with the Joint Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and other joint statements adopted by the Leaders of ASEAN and the ROK in the past five years.

This POA will serve as a guiding document to further strengthen ASEAN-ROK cooperation for mutual benefits, in support of the ASEAN Community building and integration through major strategies and initiatives, including the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan V (2026-2030), contributing to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, prosperity and sustainability in the region. This POA also affirms the ROK’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture and all ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora, while noting the ROK’s policies and initiatives towards ASEAN.

ASEAN and the ROK hereby endeavour to pursue cooperation in the following priority areas through corresponding activities, in conformity with their obligations under international law and in accordance with domestic laws, regulations and policies of ASEAN Member States and the ROK, on the basis of mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.

1. POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION

1.1 Political and strategic dialogue

1.1.1 Strengthen the existing ASEAN-ROK mechanisms for consultation and cooperation;

1.1.2 Increase engagement through exchange of high-level visits and dialogue, and networking at all levels through ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN-ROK Summit, the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the Post Ministerial Conference with the ROK (PMC+1), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), and other relevant regional and multilateral frameworks; and 

1.1.3 Promote active exchanges and networking between ASEAN-ROK think-tanks through strategic forums and seminars regarding, inter alia, the future of ASEAN.

1.2 Peace and Security

1.2.1 Support ASEAN’s efforts in peace and reconciliation in the region through relevant ASEAN mechanisms, including the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR);

1.2.2 Promote cooperation on advancing the implementation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, through relevant mechanisms, including the ASEAN Advisory Group on WPS;

1.2.3 Promote and strengthen women's meaningful participation in peacekeeping efforts and all peace and security decision-making processes across the ASEAN region;

1.2.4 Foster cooperation to promote conflict prevention and resolution, preventive diplomacy and conflict management to enhance peace, security and stability in the region;

1.2.5 Promote the purpose and principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as well as the importance of all High Contracting Parties (HCPs) to fulfil, in good faith, their obligations assumed under the Treaty while continuing to enhance the relevance and visibility of the TAC in the region and beyond as well as exploring cooperation between the HCPs, including through activities such as the Conference of the HCPs to the TAC; and

1.2.6 Support the strengthening of the ARF and advancing of the ARF’s evolution toward preventive diplomacy while continuing to strengthen confidence-building measures.

1.3 Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Weapons

1.3.1 Strengthen cooperation in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear technology in a safe and secure manner through capacity building cooperative projects on policy, technology and regulatory aspect, including on civilian nuclear energy for ASEAN Member States, through information sharing, best practices and safety management on nuclear energy to reinforce the regional non-proliferation regime and enhance the region’s preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency; and

1.3.2 Support ASEAN’s efforts to preserve Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon[1]Free Zone, and free of all other weapons of mass destruction in accordance with the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), the ASEAN Charter, and SEANWFZ’s Plan of Action. 

1.4 Defence

1.4.1 Enhance defence dialogue and practical cooperation through the ARF and the ADMM-Plus, including the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs);

1.4.2 Subject to the ADMM's approval and based on mutual consensus, continuing to promote dialogue through ASEAN-ROK Defence Ministers' Informal Meetings to further strengthen practical cooperation;

1.4.3 Support ASEAN’s efforts to address humanitarian aspects of landmines and explosive remnants of war in the region including through the work of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Humanitarian Mine Action and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) in addressing this issue; and

1.4.4 Strengthen cooperation with ASEAN on countering Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) threats including through ASEAN mechanisms such as the Network of ASEAN CBR Defence Experts.

1.5 Maritime cooperation

1.5.1 Further promote maritime cooperation, maritime security and safety, search and rescue, freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO);

1.5.2 Strengthen maritime engagement and consultation by setting up new channels of dialogue under ASEAN mechanisms, if necessary, and/or enhance existing platforms of maritime cooperation with ASEAN Member States, including the ARF, the ADMM-Plus EWG on Maritime Security, and the EAMF;

1.5.3 Strengthen the capacity of ASEAN maritime law enforcement agencies, including in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and in tackling emerging maritime threats such as cyberattacks against ships and port facilities, piracy, and armed robbery;

1.5.4 Support the capacity building program for ASEAN to effectively combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, including illegal and forced labour, and promote information sharing, especially through support for ASEAN Network for Combating IUU Fishing; and

1.5.5 Promote cooperation for the protection and conservation of marine environment, and sustainability of the oceans, including but not limited to the issue of marine plastic debris, in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS and, where appropriate, other relevant international conventions.

1.6 Transnational crime

1.6.1 Strengthen cooperation to combat transnational crime and illicit drug trafficking through the ASEAN Plus ROK Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC + ROK) and the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC + 3) Consultations, the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officers’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC+3) Consultation and the ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting Plus Three (DGICM + 3 Consultation), respectively, by exchanging information, sharing best practices and expertise, training and capacity building of law enforcement personnel, including police, prosecutors, investigating magistrates and customs personnel and other personnel charged with the prevention, detection and control of the offences, among others;

1.6.2 Strengthen the collaboration to combat illicit drugs through relevant ASEAN[1]led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus ROK Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD + ROK) and the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD + 3) Consultations, to enhance sharing of expertise in technology and joint capacity building programmes; and

1.6.3 Support joint trainings on combating transnational crime including on crime prevention, anti-corruption and forensic investigation, immigration control and administration, correction service and drug crime investigation.

1.7 Good governance and human rights

1.7.1 Enhance dialogue and promote education, awareness raising activities, capacity building initiatives such as trainings, study visits, and conferences as well as exchanges of best practices and information in the areas of good governance, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms;

1.7.2 Support ASEAN’s effort to implement and promote the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, and relevant ASEAN declarations and instruments pertaining to human rights and fundamental freedoms to which all ASEAN Member States are parties, including the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC); and

1.7.3 Explore opportunities to promote gender equality through knowledge sharing and interpersonal exchange.

1.8 Korean Peninsula

1.8.1 Support the ROK’s efforts in resuming peaceful dialogue and continuing working towards the realisation of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised, peaceful, and prosperous Korean Peninsula.

2. ECONOMIC COOPERATION

2.1 Trade and Investment

2.1.1 Maintain regular dialogue to promote mutual trade and investment through the ASEAN Economic Ministers-ROK (AEM-ROK) Consultations, the Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting-ROK (SEOM-ROK) Consultations and other existing dialogue mechanisms including Dialogue between the ASEAN Secretary-General and the Association of ASEAN Korean Chambers (AAKC);

2.1.2 Intensify trade and investment facilitation and economic integration by fully utilising bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, and work towards the upgrade of the AKFTA including through relevant mechanisms such as AKFTA Implementing Committee Meetings;

2.1.3 Facilitate economic integration through the effective implementation of the RCEP Agreement and enhance support to ASEAN Member States, with special consideration to ASEAN’s LDC Member States, to fully utilise and realise the benefits of the RCEP Agreement through the Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) as provided for under the Agreement;

2.1.4 Strengthen economic cooperation in possible areas of standard cooperation, including the possible establishment of an ASEAN-Korea Standardization Joint Research Center (AKSRC) as well as an ASEAN-Korea Standard Cooperation Network (AKSCN) to expand mutually beneficial trade and investment, and further enhance capacity building through the effective implementation of ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation projects;

2.1.5 Encourage the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) to promote trade and investment opportunities in the areas of green technology and innovations of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), as well as in manufacturing industries;

2.1.6 Strengthen cooperation to improve sustainable investment as well as the diversification and resilience of global supply-chains including critical minerals;

2.1.7 Launch the ASEAN-ROK Exhibition/EXPO for business exchange, trade, and investment promotion; and 

2.1.8 Enhance policy dialogue and knowledge exchange in economic and trade cooperation through the ASEAN-ROK Think Tank Dialogue on Economic and Trade Policy (AKTD) and other relevant mechanisms.

2.2 Finance

2.2.1 Strengthen financial cooperation to enhance regional macroeconomic and financial stability and resilience and promoting inclusive financial sectors for development, including through the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI), and the Disaster Risk Financing (DRF);

2.2.2 Support the development and growth of Asian bond markets for the security and advancement of the region’s financial market, including exploring creative and innovative and mutually beneficial approaches to push forward under the ABMI Roadmap (2023-2026) and its successor document to lay the foundation for the development and expansion of regional bond markets;

2.2.3 Support ASEAN in human resource development and capacity building in the financial sectors in areas such as, but not limited to, cross-border payments, digital financial literacy and regional regulatory coherence;

2.2.4 Strengthen regional cooperation in finance through the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ meeting (AFMGM+3);

2.2.5 Enhance support to disaster risk financing to boost resilience against disaster and climate events through the ASEAN Plus Three platform;

2.2.6 Strengthen collaboration in key sustainability initiatives such as green finance development, support for reinsurance solutions for sustainable development, and other initiatives to make sustainability and transition an attractive initiative for the finance sector; and

2.2.7 Implement cooperation projects to support the ASEAN Regional Payment Connectivity, Local Currency Settlement Framework and Open Banking System in the ASEAN region.

2.3 Digital transformation

2.3.1 Enhance policy dialogue and information exchanges through the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting with the ROK (ADGMIN+ROK) and other relevant mechanisms;

2.3.2 Consolidate digital solidarity with ASEAN and support ASEAN Member States in promoting digital government through the operation and expansion of the Digital Government Cooperation Center (DGCC) including through implementing projects on digital cooperation;

2.3.3 Further develop digital cooperation, building on ongoing projects such as Building HPC Infrastructure and HPC Capacity for Data Utilization, Korea-ASEAN AI Development/Startup Competition, Korea-ASEAN Digital Academy, and projects under review such as ASEAN-Korea Data Ecosystem Development, Korea-ASEAN AI Convergence and Spread;

2.3.4 Explore ways to cooperate with ASEAN Member States on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) through projects such as ASEAN DEAL (Digital Economy Agreement Leadership);

2.3.5 Further strengthen cooperation in the fields of digital economy, digital literacy, and skills development, including for rural and underserved populations, digital convergence and enhance collaboration to address new challenges brought about by advances in digital technology; and

2.3.6 Promote cooperation on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development including ICT infrastructure, Internet of Things, big data, data centres, cloud computing, broadband, wireless network and blockchain, through capacity building initiatives, sharing of experiences and best practices, among others, to deepen partnership between ASEAN and the ROK, which facilitate digital innovation and enhance smart connectivity.

2.4 Science, Technology and Innovation

2.4.1 Enhance policy dialogue and close cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through mechanisms such as the ASEAN-ROK Joint STI Committee (AKJSTIC) and other relevant mechanisms;

2.4.2 Promote cooperation in science, technology, innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), creative industry, smart infrastructure, smart agriculture, smart cities, smart mobility, renewable energy and future industries through facilitating human resource development, intensifying research and development collaboration in strategic and innovative areas, fostering technology transfer including exchange of information and sharing of knowledge, and commercialisation between ASEAN Member States and the ROK; and

2.4.3 Encourage joint research activities and exchanges of youth experts, and scientists among research institutes, higher education institutions and enterprises among all ASEAN Member States and the ROK.

2.5 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Startups

2.5.1 Support business-to-business cooperation, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, youths and women’s business empowerment and creating a conducive and favourable environment for ASEAN and the ROK businesses, including through the AKC and ASEAN[1]ROK Business Council and projects such as IDEAS (Increasing Digital Skills and E-commerce for ASEAN Women MSMEs);

2.5.2 Promote stronger networking, cooperation and knowledge sharing between ASEAN and the ROK to facilitate development of the startup ecosystem including through the “ASEAN-ROK Startups Partnership” and the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises-the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the ROK (ACCMSME-MSS) Policy Dialogue platform;

2.5.3 Promote the role of the ASEAN-ROK Business Council (AKBC) as a business-driven consultative body, and the ACCMSMEs as a focal point in MSMEs, in order to assist ASEAN and the ROK enterprises, especially MSMEs, in entering regional value and supply chains and in promoting bilateral trade and investment;

2.5.4 Promote cooperation on innovation between ASEAN and the ROK, including the possible establishment of an ASEAN-ROK Industrial Innovation Center, to enhance innovation capacity, optimise human capital development and improve the capacity and capability of ASEAN MSMEs, as well as to expand cooperation regarding non-tech-based startup and creative economy in ASEAN countries;

2.5.5 Encourage and empower MSMEs by promoting and accelerating the use of digital technology, including AI, in order to enhance competitiveness and resilience of MSMEs as well as market access;

2.5.6 Continue the policy dialogue on promoting the ASEAN-ROK Startup Partnership and implement the ASEAN-ROK Startup Roadmap; and

2.5.7 Support the implementation of the ASEAN Post-2025 Strategic Action Plan for SME Development.

2.6 Energy

2.6.1 Enhance policy dialogue and information exchanges on energy cooperation through ASEAN+3 Ministers' Meeting on Energy (AMEM+3), ASEAN-ROK Energy Safety Policy Forum, and other relevant mechanisms;

2.6.2 Further enhance energy cooperation and collaboration between ASEAN and the ROK through capacity building programmes on sharing and practical application of energy technologies such as workshops, seminars, exchange of expertise and technical assistance in areas of mutual interests, as well as various activities such as joint research and publications and demonstration projects, in line with the relevant regional frameworks;

2.6.3 Strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, energy storage systems and low-carbon technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen development to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels;

2.6.4  Improve efforts to promote innovative solutions in low carbon technologies, including fuel ammonia, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS);

2.6.5  Explore ways to cooperate with ASEAN on the ROK’s Carbon Free Energy (CFE) initiative; 

2.6.6 Strengthen cooperation in enhancing human resource capacity development for nuclear power generation and clean energy utilisation in ASEAN;

2.6.7  Provide tailored support to ASEAN Member Statesinterested in deploying nuclear energy in accordance with their national nuclear energy policies;

2.6.8  Cooperate with ASEAN to support the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) by promoting regional connectivity and supporting the realisation of the ASEAN Power Grid by 2045; and

2.6.9 Enhance electrical safety management for New and Renewable Energy (NRE) facilities in ASEAN through digitalisation, education, Co R&D, and sharing of relevant safety policies and standards.

2.7 Minerals

2.7.1 Support the implementation of the ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan (AMCAP) and its successor work plans in terms of trade and investment, sustainable minerals development, capacity building, and in the enhancement of the ASEAN Minerals Information System (AMIS);

2.7.2 Continue engaging ASEAN in critical minerals development that will encourage investments in minerals processing and promote value addition in downstream minerals development of the region; and

2.7.3 Promote capacity building on sustainable minerals development, including green technology in mining and quarrying, mine reclamation and mine environmental management.

2.8 Infrastructure

2.8.1 Enhance cooperation in sustainable and resilient infrastructure including green infrastructure, disability-inclusive infrastructure, transport and logistics, energy, water resources management and ICT infrastructure development by implementing related projects and sharing best practices and technologies that will together provide a long-term foundation for inclusive and equitable growth, and encourage regular exchanges between ASEAN and the ROK through various platforms; and

2.8.2 Strengthen cooperation to improve infrastructure development in the region by encouraging sustainable infrastructure investment through public and private partnership and other modalities to mobilise private sector investment, where appropriate, with a view to contributing to the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.

2.9 Transport

2.9.1 Enhance policy dialogue and knowledge exchanges in transport and logistics cooperation through the ASEAN -ROK Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM+ROK), ASEAN -ROK Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM+ROK) and other relevant mechanisms;

2.9.2 Continue capacity building and knowledge sharing in the transport sector through research and training programmes, the ASEAN-ROK Transport Cooperation Forum, and other related ASEAN-ROK projects;

2.9.3 Enhance air transport connectivity between and beyond ASEAN and the ROK and strengthen efforts to conclude a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-ROK Air Services Agreement;

2.9.4 Promote ASEAN-ROK Port Development Cooperation by implementing effective measures to ensure navigation safety, sustainable port development practice and better port linkages and transferring the ROK's knowledge and skills on policies and technologies of port development and operation to ASEAN port experts;

2.9.5 Support a thriving e-mobility ecosystem and smart mobility that is inclusive in ASEAN by implementing the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation for Smart Mobility between ASEAN and the ROK, including the adoption of smart technology and digitalisation in the transport sector;

2.9.6 Cooperate on electric vehicle (EV) industry with ASEAN Member States through EV-charging infrastructure development and capacity building, including Safety Management Training; and

2.9.7 Promote the electrification of the transportation sector through concrete and tangible projects as part of the effective implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Statement on Developing of Electric Vehicle Ecosystem.

2.10 Food, Agriculture, and Forestry

2.10.1 Support ASEAN in implementing the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN;

2.10.2 Strengthen cooperation on food security by the effective implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR);

2.10.3 Enhance collaboration on the implementation of sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and governance (FLEG), timber legality assurance, forest and climate change, and assist small and medium (forestry) enterprises to meet international market requirements; and

2.10.4 Strengthen partnerships with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) for the sustainable management of forests.

2.11 Tourism

2.11.1 Enhance policy dialogue and knowledge exchange including through the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers’ Meeting; 

2.11.2 Promote tourism between ASEAN and the ROK through joint programmes on marketing and promotions, travel and investment facilitation, improvement of the environment to receive tourists in local areas, sharing of best practices, exchange of information on tourism statistics and investment opportunity, capacity building and encourage training and advancement programmes for tourism professionals, including MSMEs and other relevant sectors, so that they can benefit from the development in tourism industry;

2.11.3 Cooperate on the development and protection of nature-based tourism resources in ASEAN, including through exchanging best practices and supporting capacity building programmes, and on the expansion of forest and natural environment tourism exchanges;

2.11.4 Support the development of quality tourism, where appropriate, through promotion of tourism industry standards and programmes for sustainable tourism and human resources development;

2.11.5 Support activities of the AKC to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the ROK, including the ASEAN Week and the ASEAN-Korea Tourism Development Workshop; and

2.11.6 Encourage and facilitate the participation of business communities and other tourism segments in travel marts, exhibitions, and tourism festivals both in ASEAN and the ROK.

2.12 Customs

2.12.1 Enhance customs cooperation and coordination through continued ASEAN[1]ROK Customs Consultation, specifically in sharing of best practices on streamlining and simplification of customs procedures, enforcement and risk management techniques, and application of information technology in customs procedures, such as the use of AI and other innovative tools.

2.13 Blue Economy

2.13.1 Promote collaboration with ASEAN to bolster the implementation of the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework; and

2.13.2 Promote cooperation with ASEAN on maritime economy under the K-Ocean Economy Initiative including through the capacity building in the implementation of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, smart and sustainable aquaculture technology cooperation, and maritime officer training.

2.14 Intellectual Property

2.14.1 Strengthen cooperation in areas of intellectual property (IP) capacity building, IP protection and IP utilisation;

2.14.2 Continue collaboration on IP education and continue dialogue and exchange of information on IP policies and regulations; and

2.14.3 Promote discussion and sharing of ideas and best practices in areas of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biotechnology among IP stakeholders.

3. SOCIO-CULTURAL COOPERATION

3.1 Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance

3.1.1 Enhance policy dialogue and knowledge exchange through the ASEAN-ROK Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM Plus ROK), ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Plus ROK Meeting and other relevant cooperation mechanisms;

3.1.2 Intensify coordination in disaster management through maximising their contributions in the realisation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER);

3.1.3 Accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Work Plan in Disaster Management 2021-2025 and the subsequent Work Plans;

3.1.4 Jointly develop and implement various cooperative projects in disaster management, including providing training to officials in the field of disaster management to strengthen disaster risk governance through programmes such as D-CAB (Disaster risk reduction Capacity Building Project for AMS), and supporting the implementation of standardisation and certification framework of disaster management profession in line with the ASEAN Capacity Building Roadmap 2025-2030 on Disaster Management through programmes such as ASCEND (Operationalising the ASEAN Standards and Certification for Experts in Disaster Management);

3.1.5 Explore possible partnership and collaboration to further develop an enabling framework for sustainable resilience, in line with the ASEAN Declaration on Sustainable Resilience and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction; and

3.1.6 Strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), to enhance the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region.

3.2 Environment and Climate Change

3.2.1 Promote high-level policy dialogue on environment, including through the ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting;

3.2.2 Actively engage in the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change to exchange views on the environment, including biodiversity and natural resource management, plastic pollution reduction, chemical and waste management, environmentally sustainable cities, environmental education and awareness, conservation of marine and coastal environment, circular economy and climate change policy and develop cooperation projects in these fields;

3.2.3 Enhance cooperation in areas such as carbon neutrality, sustainable resilience, green transition, energy security, circular economy, blue economy, air pollution and methane emission reduction, and sustainable water resources management, biodiversity conservation and management, among others;

3.2.4 Promote cooperation to provide the peoples of ASEAN access to clean water, clean air, waste management and sanitation service and other social services through projects such as Clean Air for Sustainable ASEAN (CASA) and ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM);

3.2.5 Promote capacity building for ASEAN Member States through education programmes, joint training courses, joint research, exchanges of expertise and best practices, transfer of technology and sharing knowledge in field of environment;

3.2.6 Promote cooperation to protect the marine environment and support the implementation of the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region, the Regional Action Plan on Combatting Marine Plastic Debris in ASEAN, and the ASEAN Declaration on Plastic Circularity as well as promote and cooperation on the Blue Carbon capacity building;

3.2.7 Explore possible cooperation to support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on the Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) to effectively address land and forest fires; and

3.2.8 Strengthen the collaboration with ASEAN Centres, including the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) for research and development, capacity building and exchange of information and skill on relevant climate and environmental issues.

3.3 Public Health

3.3.1 Enhance policy dialogue and knowledge exchange through the ASEAN[1]ROK Health Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers’ Meeting, and other relevant mechanisms;

3.3.2 Enhance healthcare access towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the region in line with the ASEAN post-2025 health development agenda and work programmes as well as the Joint Statement of the 2nd ASEAN-ROK Health Ministers Meeting, including ensuring access to basic health care, efficient health service delivery, promotion of health technology including digital healthcare technology, capacity building for health workforce, and strengthening of healthcare system;

3.3.3 Cooperate in response to public health emergencies including emerging and re-emerging infectious and communicable diseases as well as in preparedness and responses against pandemic influenza including cooperation to strengthen capacity to address public health emergencies, and addressing related challenges such as health impacts of climate change, AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance), and the One Health approach;

3.3.4 Exchange information and expertise in non-communicable diseases prevention and control, including promotion of mental health;

3.3.5 Support capacity building and training for ASEAN health work force, including on vaccine and pharmaceutical production through the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing designated by the World Health Organization (WHO);

3.3.6 Continue the cooperation for the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and the ASEAN Biological Threats Surveillance Centre (ABVC) with a focus on strengthening regional capabilities in risk assessment and early warning system for infectious diseases to enhance response to global health crises; and

3.3.7 Explore cooperation in addressing other growing health challenges, including ageing, through capacity development programmes, exchange of best practices and research and development within ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).

3.4 Education and human resources

3.4.1 Continue cooperation in scholarship programmes for ASEAN students, including through the existing International College Student Exchange Programme, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and the KOICA Fellowship Program (CIAT);

3.4.2 Promote ASEAN studies and languages in the ROK as well as Korean studies and Korean language in ASEAN, including through Centres for Korean studies in ASEAN Member States;

3.4.3 Promote inclusive education, including early childhood care and education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lifelong learning, 21st century skills-training as well as efforts to improve the quality of education, and encourage innovation and digital transformation of education such as e-learning through the use of ICTs;

3.4.4 Promote collaboration through exchanges such as workshops, joint research and training, and exchange of fellowships, exchange of teachers and students, and staff from think tanks as well as enhance capabilities of higher education, particularly in science and technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including for women and youth, through the existing ASEAN-Korea Academic Exchange Programme, ASEAN-ROK Think Tank Strategic Dialogue, the Asia International Mobility for Student (AIMS) and among ASEAN and the ROK academic institutions;

3.4.5 Strengthen human resources through capacity building and skills development initiatives, including targeted programmes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that are aligned with industry needs;

3.4.6 Improve learning outcomes in ASEAN countries by utilising the results of the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme and conducting regional policy exchanges and dialogues among ASEAN Member States; and

3.4.7 Promote the successful execution of educational initiatives, with a particular focus on the ASEAN Plus Three Center for Gifted Science.

3.5 Youth and People-to-People Exchange

3.5.1 Continue to implement, expand, and develop networking and exchange programmes for ASEAN-ROK youth including through the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting and Ministerial Meeting on Youth, the ASEAN Foundation, ASEAN-ROK youth exchange programme, ASEAN-ROK Next-generation Opinion Leaders Programme, ASEAN Youth Camp, Global Youth Summit, Youth Camp for ASEAN and Friends' Engagement (YCAFE), ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop and the ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme of the ACB;

3.5.2 Support capacity building programmes, including digital skills development, related to women and youth, including those with disabilities and in vulnerable situations especially on issues related to TVET entrepreneurship including through research centres, study visits or programmes; and

3.5.3 Promote people-to-people exchanges including through conducting ASEAN-ROK tourism and socio-cultural programmes such as workshops, seminars and cultural performances and community volunteer activities.

3.6 Information and Media

3.6.1 Promote further cooperation in the fields of information, news and mass media, including through dialogue among policy makers and relevant government bodies such as news and broadcasting agencies, regular media exchange visits and trainings, and good practice sharing among media personnel and professionals;

3.6.2 Organise activities in ASEAN and the ROK to promote public awareness on ASEAN-ROK relations such as ASEAN-Korea Day;

3.6.3 Strengthen cooperation in promoting film development between ASEAN and the ROK in areas, such as co-production, archiving, promotion, education, training, research, and information sharing; and

3.6.4 Develop human resources by encouraging technical cooperation among journalists, broadcasters, content producers, and other practitioners in the field of media and information, including to collaborate with relevant entities such as the AKC.

3.7 Culture, Arts and Sports

3.7.1 Enhance dialogue on culture and the arts among policymakers, practitioners, and experts, including through the ASEAN-ROK Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts and the ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts;

3.7.2 Foster cultural exchange through joint initiatives and programmes such as performances, exhibitions, film festivals, art and cultural festivals, and people-to-people exchanges across diverse artistic fields including the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival (AKMF) and ASEAN-ROK Film Community Programme (FLY);

3.7.3 Facilitate networking and elevate cultural exchange programmes including through the AKC in Seoul and the ASEAN Culture House in Busan, and other similar institutions established in ASEAN Member States and the ROK;

3.7.4 Facilitate exchanges and human resource development of professionals and managers of cultural institutions in various fields of culture and the arts, such as film, performing arts and cultural heritage, including libraries, archives, museums and galleries, as well as through the ASEAN-ROK Music Committee;

3.7.5 Enhance collaboration on cultural heritage through the ASEAN-ROK Cultural Heritage Cooperation mechanism, by promoting joint efforts in preserving, protecting, and promoting shared heritage, as well as the development of robust strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on heritage sites;

3.7.6 Continue the cooperation on the promotion of digital heritage contents on the UNESCO Heritage of ASEAN, and explore the feasibility of expanding this initiative to encompass the digitalisation and virtual reality exhibition and other various fields of other cultural heritage assets of ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea;

3.7.7 Enhance the development of cultural and creative industries, including tangible and intangible cultural heritage and contemporary creative practices in ASEAN countries by sharing knowledge, best practices, capacity building, promoting initiatives that leverage 4IR and emerging digital technologies and providing opportunities for collaboration, such as joint productions, festivals, showcases, and exhibitions; 

3.7.8 Enhance collaboration to foster greater awareness about cultural heritage and identity of ASEAN and the ROK, including through ASEAN-ROK Working Committee on Cultural Heritage Cooperation; and

3.7.9 Explore possible cooperation in sports, including through collaborative training programs, capacity building initiatives, and exchange of knowledge.

3.8 Civil Service Matters

3.8.1 Enhance dialogues and exchange on cooperation in civil service matters through relevant ASEAN-ROK mechanisms such as the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Services Matters (ACCSM+3), including sharing information and best practices to accelerate an agile ASEAN and the ROK civil services towards building people-centric civil service in ASEAN in areas of mutual interests; and

3.8.2 Collaborate with ASEAN Member States in promoting a culture of good governance and e-governance among civil servants at all levels and across public sector agencies.

3.9 Labour and Migrant Workers

3.9.1 Partner with ASEAN Member States in promoting decent jobs to the people through training programmes and the exchange of experts in the fields of labour standards, industrial relations, labour market information, gender equality in employment, as well as development of technical and vocational skills and promotion of life-long learning culture, including cooperation through ASEAN TVET Council and ASEAN Plus Three Human Resource Development (HRD) Forum, among others;

3.9.2 Cooperate to support the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration and ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, and the work of ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC);

3.9.3 Share experiences and expand training and capacity building programmes for the development of human resources, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and overseas volunteer programmes such as the TEAM (ASEAN[1]ROK Industry-Aligned Technical and Vocational Education and Training Mobility) Programme; and 3.9.4 Provide greater and better opportunities for ASEAN nationals to work in the ROK through the ROK’s Employment Permit System (EPS).

3.10 Social Welfare and Development

3.10.1 Support the operationalisation of the Regional Framework and Action Plans to implement the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection, and the ASEAN Declaration on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers in ASEAN and respective guidelines including strengthening the capacity of ASEAN in establishing social security and social welfare and improving access to social protection programmes and services;

3.10.2 Implement joint activities addressing public health, social welfare of children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those in vulnerable situations;

3.10.3 Cooperate on regional initiatives to support ASEAN Member States towards building age-friendly societies and addressing population ageing issues; and

3.10.4 Enhance cooperation to strengthen entrepreneurship skills for women, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those in vulnerable situations.

3.11 Rural Development and Poverty Eradication

3.11.1 Enhance cooperation on rural development and poverty eradication including through the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Plus Three as well as explore collaboration with the ASEAN Villages Network (AVN), and explore possible cooperation on ASEAN-ROK Village Leader Exchange Program, including through initiating a study visit for Community Leader Exchange Program on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication.

3.12 Culture of Prevention

3.12.1 Explore potential cooperation to strengthen culture of prevention, including promotion of tolerance and moderation.

4. CROSS-PILLARS COOPERATION

4.1 ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific

4.1.1 Further mainstream and increase ASEAN-ROK practical cooperation in the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and economic and other possible areas of cooperation in line with the Joint Statement of the 24th ASEAN-ROK Summit on Cooperation on the AOIP, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms, and explore potential cooperation on the AOIP under the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; and

4.1.2 Work with other partners to promote an open, stable, prosperous, and rules[1]based international order in the Indo-Pacific region based on adherence to international law.

4.2 Connectivity

4.2.1 Strengthen cooperation to enhance ASEAN Connectivity, including physical, institutional, and people-to-people linkages across the region, through the implementation of ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan;

4.2.2 Provide technical and financial support in the areas of sustainable infrastructure, smart and sustainable urban development, digital innovation, seamless logistics and supply chains, regulatory excellence and cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity to enhance regional connectivity; and

4.2.3 Strengthen engagement and consultation on connectivity cooperation through the annual ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) Consultations with Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity, ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee and other meetings of relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, as appropriate, in supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.

4.3 Cyber security

4.3.1 Promote cooperation in cybersecurity to create an open, safe, secure, stable, interoperable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment through the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity and the ADGMIN Plus, as well as the ARF, ADMM-Plus and its relevant mechanisms, as well as projects such as ASEAN Cyber Shield Project;

4.3.2 Promote cooperation and collaboration, including the exchange of experiences and best practices, to prevent and combat online scams, and scams across digital and telecommunication channels; and 4.3.3 Support ASEAN in strengthening its cybersecurity capacity and enhancing regional stability in cyberspace including through the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) and the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE).

4.4 Initiative for ASEAN Integration and Narrowing Development Gap

4.4.1 Continue to support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gap, through the implementation of IAI Work Plan V (2026-2030);

4.4.2 Continue to support IAI beneficiary countries in the implementation of the IAI through areas such as human resource development by increasing the development scholarships, vocational education, and training programmes; and

4.4.3 Reinforce cooperation to narrow the development gap in ASEAN, particularly through the sub-regional cooperation frameworks with the ROK's participation such as the Mekong-ROK and the Brunei Darussalam[1]Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area-ROK (BIMP[1]EAGA-ROK) Cooperation frameworks, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).

4.5 Smart Cities

4.5.1 Support the ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN) and the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) to build communities that are resilient, innovative, and well-connected towards achieving smart and sustainable development;

4.5.2 Explore partnerships with ASCN and ASCN cities, in areas of mutual benefits and interests, including through various platforms that encourage collaboration on smart cities; and

4.5.3 Develop smart city initiatives with ASEAN with a focus on sustainable city design, and an energy-efficient and smart transportation system to improve citizens’ living conditions and reduce carbon emissions.

4.6 Sub-Regional Cooperation

4.6.1 Continue to strengthen cooperation under the Mekong-ROK Cooperation, the BIMP-EAGA-ROK Cooperation and other relevant sub-regional framework and cooperation mechanisms including ACMECS, MRC and the Friends of Mekong (FOM).

4.7 Sustainable Development Cooperation

4.7.1 Promote dialogue, research, and cooperation on sustainable development as an area of cooperation under the AOIP and in support of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

4.7.2 Support ASEAN institutions and mechanisms that help facilitate sustainable development cooperation in the region, including but not limited to the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) in Thailand and the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy (AIGE) in Myanmar; and 4.7.3 Foster closer alignment with global and regional development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and pursuing effective and efficient development cooperation, including the ROK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes.

5. OTHERS

5.1 Continue to support Timor-Leste in its fulfilment of the objective and criteria-based Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN; and

5.2 Continue to support efforts to enhance capacity building of ASEAN institutions, including the ASEAN Secretariat.

6. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS AND MONITORING

6.1 Established ASEAN-ROK mechanisms, and concerned sectoral bodies in ASEAN and agencies in the ROK, undertake consultation and jointly draw up specific work programmes/projects to implement the action lines outlined in this Plan of Action;

6.2 This POA will be taken forward utilising existing platforms and institutions, including the AKC in Seoul, the ASEAN-ROK Financial Cooperation Centre in Jakarta, the ASEAN Culture House in Busan, the ASEAN Cultural Center in Bangkok, and ASEAN Centres in the ASEAN Member States to further promote mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the effective utilisation of funding support from the ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund, and the AKFTA Economic Cooperation Projects Fund and other available funding sources from ASEAN and the ROK; and

6.3 Review of this POA will be made through the ASEAN PMC +1 Session with the ROK, the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue and the ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee. Progress report of the implementation of this POA will be submitted to the annual ASEAN-ROK Summit.

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