President Lee Jae-myung's special envoy delegation to Malaysia, led by former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-choon, from July 23 to 24 visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The photo shows delegation head Kim Young-choon (second from left) on July 23 shaking hands with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from left) in Kuala Lumpur. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
By Park Hyeri
President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy to Malaysia from July 23-24 delivered his personal letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a courtesy call in Kuala Lumpur.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 25 said the delegation led by former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-Choon on July 23 held talks with Prime Minister Anwar on reinforcing strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation in cutting-edge next-generation sectors such as the defense industry, artificial intelligence, maritime affairs, infrastructure and education.
They also discussed concluding a bilateral free trade agreement this year.
Prime Minister Anwar thanked President Lee for his letter and the envoy, saying he looks forward to closer cooperation to further develop their strategic partnership.
The delegation on July 24 also held separate meetings with high-ranking Malaysian officials like House of Representatives Speaker Johari bin Abdul, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Fadillah Yusok, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Hasan on the significance of the Lee administration's launch, direction of its foreign policy and methods of advancing bilateral relations.
Turning to the Korean Peninsula, the delegation emphasized a peaceful resolution to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations through dialogue and trust-building but a firm response. It also asked for close cooperation and support from Malaysia, this year's chair country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In response, Malaysia expressed its support by saying a reunified Korea is essential not only for peace on the peninsula but also regional peace and coexistence.
In addition, the delegation held talks with Korean companies operating in Malaysia on their investment status and challenges, and requested interest and support for their activities in meetings with key Malaysian figures.
Delegation members also emphasized that the Lee administration will continue building on and advancing the New Southern Policy based on its ASEAN-centered foreign policy, as well as convey Seoul's strong commitment to further boost its strategic partnership with Malaysia and its comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.
hrhr@korea.kr