President Lee Myung-bak and first lady Kim Yoon-ok look at sculpture on the wall during their visit to Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex in Cambodia, Friday. They arrived in the country Thursday as part of a three-nation Southeast Asian trip. They arrived in Bangkok later Friday to attend the summit of ASEAN plus three . Korea, Japan and China.
Korea Times photo by Sohn Yong-seok
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
(Posted by CAAI News Media)
President Lee Myung-bak is expected to seek broad support from Southeast Asian countries for his New Asia Initiative, under which Korea would expand the scope of its diplomacy to promote the common interests of its regional partners at global forums.
Lee arrived in Hua Hin, Thailand, yesterday to attend today's summit of ASEAN plus three ― Korea, Japan and China ― and the annual East Asia Summit, which involves India, Australia, New Zealand and the ASEAN+3 countries tomorrow.
The New Asia Initiative, Korea's green growth policies, the global fight against climate change and North Korea's nuclear program will be on the agenda when Lee holds talks with other leaders, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Lee announced the new diplomatic doctrine during his trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, in March and shared it with regional partners during the ASEAN plus Korea Summit on Jeju Island in late May.
This time, Lee will seek firm backing for his plan to represent the voices of emerging economies in Asia on the global stage and play a bridging role between developed and developing countries.
Korea will become the first Asian nation to host a summit of the G20 economies in November next year. In its capacity as the host country, Korea will invite some non-members to the forum.
Under the initiative, Korea plans to upgrade its relations with more regional partners in the areas of economy, security and culture.
The Lee administration has pledged to increase economic contributions to developing countries in Asia and promote cultural exchanges based on the growing popularity of Korean dramas and pop songs.
It is also seeking to sign free trade agreements not only with ASEAN, but also other Asia-Pacific countries as part of efforts to further regional economic cooperation.
"Lee has become one of the most well-known Asian leaders thanks to his active summit diplomacy with world leaders since his inauguration in February last year," a Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson said.
"Korea's hosting of the G20 Summit reflects the country's growing influence and improving reputation. The forum will be a good opportunity for Korea as well as Asia."
At the ASEAN+3 Summit, Lee will also call for efforts to prepare for a global economic paradigm shift to a green economy.
He will also urge the nations to actively participate in global talks on reducing greenhouse gas emission, which is forecast to become a key trade barrier in the near future.
North Korea's nuclear program will also be a key topic.
Lee and ASEAN leaders may call for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Cheong Wa Dae officials said.
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