ASEAN, KOREAN LEADERS REITERATE CONDEMNATON OF NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST

From Khaidzir Yunus

JEJU ISLAND (South Korea), June 2 (Bernama) -- Leaders of South Korea and
the 10 Asean nations who are here for the Asean-South Korea Commemorative Summit
Tuesday reiterated the condemnation of the recent underground nuclear test and
missile launches by North Korea.

The leaders stressed in a press release that the denuclearisation of the
Korean peninsula through the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue in a
peaceful manner was essential in maintaining peace and stability of the
Asia-Pacific region.

They said the military actions by North Korea which had raised tensions in
North Asia constituted clear violations of the six-party agreements and the
relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and decisions.

"The leaders expressed their desire that the Asean Regional Forum, as
the premier regional security forum that includes Asean and all participants of
the six-party Talks, can contribute towards an enduring peace and stability in
the Korean peninsula.

They encouraged all concerned parties to actively pursue this objective," it
said.

Meanwhile, in a separate joint statement signed by South Korean president
Lee Myung-bak and all the leaders of the 10 Asean nations, including Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak at the end of the summit Tuesday, the
leaders agreed to forge closer, broader ties; reinforce political and security
cooperation, as well as strengthen economic and development cooperation between
their countries.


They also agreed to promote socio-cultural exchanges and cooperate on
regional and global issues.

The leaders, among others, recognised that enhanced security on the Korean
peninsula through dialogue and cooperation is essential for the peace, security
and stability of the region.

"To this end, we are committed to continuing our efforts to reduce tension
and promoting dialogue on the peninsula, including those to achieve an early
resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue in a peaceful manner through th
six-party Talks process.

The leaders said they were also committed to maintaining high-level visits,
strengthening cooperation and sharing information on non-traditional security
issues to promote cooperation in criminal justice and law enforcement, including
combating terrorism, sea piracy, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in
persons, money laundering, arms smuggling, international economic crime and
cyber crime, as well as to working together in ensuring the enhancement of
maritime security in accordance with international law.

On strengthening economic and development cooperation, the leaders expressed
their expectations that the trade volume between Asean and Korea would increase
to US$150 billion by 2015 through the Asean-South Korea FTA and other
complementary trade arrangements.

To this end, they agreed to utilise the Asean-Korea Centre to facilitate
promotional activities for trade and investment, including product exhibitions,
exchange of trade and investment missions, and exchange of information on trade
and investment.

To further boost trade, investment and tourism, the leaders agreed to
endeavour to begin discussions on an Air Services Agreement between Asean and
Korea covering both passengers and air freight by early 2010.

On cooperation on regional and global issues, the leaders reaffirmed their
determination to join efforts in dealing with the global challenges such as
climate change, environmental degradation, current global economic and financial
crisis, food security, energy security and communicable and emerging infectious
diseases.

They also recognised that the recent food and energy crises are not confined
to any specific country and agreed to endeavour to establish the Asean Plus
Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) to ensure food security in the region.

This year's summit commemorates the 20th anniversary of Asean-Korea Dialogue
Relations.

-- BERNAMA