The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) is set to host the 19th Tripartite Meeting among the secretaries general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), Thursday, at the International Peace Center on Jeju Island.
This marks the first in-person gathering of the Tripartite Meeting in three years and is important for fostering cooperation between ASEAN and its neighboring countries.
Established respectively in Korea, China and Japan, these three centers have consistently shared work programs and best practices through regular meetings. Chaired by the AKC, this year’s meeting will bring together the secretaries general of these three centers: Shi Zhongjun from the ACC, Kunihiko Hirabayashi from the AJC and Kim Hae-yong from the AKC.
They will deliberate on three key areas: directions and work programs post-COVID-19, possible collaborations and key issues in cooperation with ASEAN.
Following the meeting, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Jeju ASEAN Hall, an exhibition space established by the AKC in September 2022, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and collaborative efforts between ASEAN and Korea.
AKC Secretary-General Kim Hae-yong emphasized the historical significance of Jeju in hosting this important meeting. She reflected on the past, noting that “Jeju was the venue for the meeting among the three centers in 2017, where the secretaries general gathered to exchange views for greater cooperation.”
Additionally, she highlighted the significance of the Jeju ASEAN Hall as the first of its kind outside of Seoul, further underscoring the importance of this year’s meeting.
Kim expressed optimism for the upcoming event, stating, “Amid the growing significance of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in the aftermath of the pandemic, this year’s Meeting would serve as a meaningful platform for sharing perspectives not only for cooperation with ASEAN but also for peace and security in the region.”
Source: Korea Times