President Moon Jae-in speaks on Nov. 13 at the second Mekong-ROK (Republic of Korea) Summit through videoconferencing. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Kyoung Mi and Lee Jihae

The government will elevate its relations with the five Southeast Asian nations in the Mekong River region -- Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia -- to a "Strategic Partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace," Cheong Wa Dae said on Nov. 13.

President Moon Jae-in, attending the second Mekong-ROK (Republic of Korea) Summit held via videoconferencing, suggested further boosting Korea-Mekong cooperation, which was elevated to the level of a summit last year. His proposal was adopted by the Mekong leaders.

Through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, he said, "Korea will contribute 10 million US dollars to help provide COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries." The COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access) Facility is an association of countries striving for equitable vaccine distribution.

A joint statement on strengthening cooperation in seven priority sectors -- culture, tourism, human resource development, agriculture and farming area development, infrastructure, information and communications technology, environment and non-traditional security -- was adopted at the summit. The seven had been agreed on at the inaugural summit in November last year in Busan.

At the 21st ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-ROK Summit held online the day before, President Moon said, "Korea will actively participate in the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and the ASEAN Plus Three reserve of essential medical supplies."

"I believe that we will be able to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic together this time as well through the ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and cooperation."

"ASEAN showed true friendship by offering comfort when I spoke with my colleague leaders and sharing infectious disease prevention equipment. The continued exchanges and cooperation enabled by the 'Fast Track' and the 'Special Entry Procedures' has empowered Korea to overcome the pandemic," he added.

"The New Southern Policy has benefited both ASEAN and Korea," he said in introducing the New Southern Policy Plus Strategy, an upgrade of the policy.

"The New Southern Policy Plus Strategy lays out fresh, feasible initiatives centered on the 7 key areas of cooperation including comprehensive healthcare cooperation. With this Strategy, we will be able to take the lead in the post-COVID-19 era, and realize the vision of a people-centered community of peace and prosperity faster."

President Moon expressed full support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, adding that he hopes for great prosperity between ASEAN and Korea.

km137426@korea.kr