By Yoon Sojung

President Moon Jae-in will visit Singapore and Papua New Guinea from Nov. 13 to 18 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

During his trips, President Moon will focus on strengthening cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, the main partners for the New Southern Policy of his administration.

Second Deputy Director of National Security Nam Gwan-pyo announced on Nov. 7 the detailed schedules of President Moon Jae-in’s visits to Singapore and Papua New Guinea at the Chunchugwan Press Center at Cheong Wa Dae.

While in Singapore from Nov. 13 to 16, President Moon will attend the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit and explain the outcome of the New Southern Policy in its first year. He will explain to ASEAN leaders about the detailed implementation plans for building what has been dubbed “the 3P community” that emphasizes people, peace and prosperity. He will propose the hosting of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea special summit next year as this year marks the 30th anniversary of establishing a dialogue relationship between Korea and ASEAN. The president will also express his will to host the first Korea-Mekong summit meeting to support the ASEAN’s goal of narrowing the development gap among regions.

In the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore, President Moon will explain Seoul’s effort to pursue regional peace and prosperity through the New Southern Policy. He will introduce Korea’s plan to create a national model city by establishing a smart city network.

In regard to the smart city project, Presidential secretary for the economy Kim Hyun-chul said, “President Moon will express his willingness to participate in building a smart city network within ASEAN in order to solve issues in urban areas and to enhance the quality of life.”

“In this year’s EAS, participating countries will adopt a joint statement on the smart city and a special exhibition on the smart city will take place,” Kim said.

President Moon will travel from Singapore to Papua New Guinea where he will visit from Nov. 17 and 18 for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. In the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the president will present his vision of an “innovative, inclusive state” as one of the pioneer cases for the APEC goal of achieving a more inclusive APEC community by 2030.

In the APEC summit, he will propose the future direction for cooperation in order to enhance inclusiveness and digital innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. At APEC, the president will also propose to establish a fund for APEC’s digital innovation so that firms, consumers and governments within the region can boost capabilities to better prepare for the digital future.

Prior to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Moon will attend the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). At ABAC, he will urge APEC business leaders to work together for economic integration for free trade and investment. He will also emphasize the need to boost inclusiveness so that the benefits of free trade and digital innovation can be equally shared among all participants of the economy and to enhance cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries in this regard.

arete@korea.kr