Next week, November 25 to 27, the 2019 Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit and the firstt Mekong-Republic of Korea Summit will be held in Korea. In particular, since my hometown Busan will play host to the events, I am very much looking forward to them – as if I have invited valued guests to my home. I send early greetings in a warm welcome to the heads of state and government as well as to the Secretary-General of Asean.
The Republic of Korea was Asean’s first dialogue partner to establish an Asean Culture House. Koreans love Asean so much that the National Asean Recreation Forest was created complete with cabins modeled after the various traditional housing styles of the 10 Asean member states. After I took office, I sent a special envoy to Asean out of profound interest in and affection for the region. I have also visited all 10 Asean member states within a little over two years of my inauguration, becoming the first Korean President to do so. Asean’s dynamism and the smiles of its people are still fresh in my memory.