Gist of joint statement by S. Korea, ASEAN leaders

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 2 (Yonhap) -- The following is the gist of a
joint statement issued Tuesday by the leaders of South Korea and the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after completing a two-day summit here
marking the 20th anniversary of dialogue partnership.

In reviewing ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations, leaders shared opinions:
-- the two sides have developed mutually beneficial cooperative ties based on
trust and respect over the past 20 years.
-- they have strengthened political and security relations, with ties being
expanded in regional peace, stability and anti-terrorism efforts.
-- a free trade deal on goods will have a positive impact on bilateral trade
relations, welcoming similar deals on service and investment.

For reinforcement of political and security cooperation, leaders shared opinions:
-- enhanced peace and security on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and
cooperation is essential for the peace, security and stability of the region.
-- leaders will continue efforts to reduce tension and promote dialogue on the
Peninsula through the six-party process.
-- they will strengthen cooperation in criminal justice and law enforcement
efforts against sea piracy, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, money
laundering, arms smuggling, international economic crime and cyber crime.

For strengthening economic and development cooperation, leaders said:
-- they will closely cooperate and monitor the FTA implementation process.
-- they will seek cooperation in agricultural research and development to secure
food security, alleviate poverty and ensure sustainable development.
-- they will enhance cooperation in the transportation and logistics sectors.
-- they will discuss an air service agreement covering both passengers and air
freight by early 2010.
-- Seoul is committed to continued expansion of development assistance to ASEAN
countries, including the sharing of its own valuable development experience.

For promoting socio-cultural exchanges, leaders agreed to
-- strengthen cultural exchanges.
-- tighten measures to ensure the safety and protection of tourists, business
people and officials who are traveling to ASEAN and the ROK.

For cooperation on regional and global issues, leaders agreed to:
-- jointly deal with global challenges.
-- do their utmost to stimulate economic growth in the region and stand firm
against protectionism.
-- boost regional energy cooperation.
-- accelerate efforts to establish the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve
(APTERR) to ensure food security in the region.
-- promote close cooperation by introducing environment-friendly technology and
undertaking cooperative projects and studies to deal with climate change.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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