South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit the Philippines next week for a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation with partner nations and addressing regional and global issues. Cho will co-chair the 29th ASEAN–Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from the Philippines, the current ASEAN chair, and other participating countries. Additionally, Cho will participate in various meetings including the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ meeting involving Japan and China, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ meeting, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
During the upcoming visit, Cho plans to focus on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN and exploring opportunities to strengthen practical cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural and creative industries. The agenda also includes discussions under the ASEAN Plus Three framework to enhance regional supply chain resilience in sectors like energy and food security, while reiterating South Korea’s commitment to regional security efforts. Furthermore, Cho will seek ASEAN’s continued support for South Korea’s policy towards the Korean Peninsula.
There is anticipation regarding North Korea’s participation in the ARF, with uncertainties surrounding the attendance of a high-level official from Pyongyang. Last year, North Korea did not send a delegation to the forum for the first time in 25 years. Despite joining the ARF in 2000, North Korea’s presence has varied between high-level diplomats and ambassadors based in Southeast Asia. While indications suggest North Korea might skip this year’s forum, a final decision is yet to be confirmed.
