Journalists from ASEAN countries speak with South Korean president Lee Myung-bak (far right) at the Blue House in Seoul last month.

SOUTH Korea will forge stronger links with Myanmar and the other members of ASEAN, the country’s president, Lee Myung-bak, told The Myanmar Times last month.

Speaking at the Blue House, the presidential residence in Seoul, Mr Lee said: “I will have in-depth discussions with the ASEAN leaders at the upcoming summit to lay the groundwork for the opening of a new era for Asia.” He was referring to the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2009, which will be held on June 1 and 2 at Jeju Island.

The president also said that environmentally sustainable, “green” growth would be one of the most important issues at the discussion.

“Korea and ASEAN will work together in the area of green growth in line with the advent of a green era. Green growth is not a matter of choice but a must to brace for global warming and climate change. Many advanced nations have already achieved much progress in this area. Korea also plans to step up efforts working together with ASEAN member countries,” he said.

The president was speaking on May 18 to 29 reporters from the 10 ASEAN countries, who participated in a media tour of South Korea organised by the South Korean government from May 17 to 20.

So far, South Korea has launched a partnership fund for the development of green technology totalling US$200 million, to be jointly utilised for the promotion of green technology development in cooperation with ASEAN.

During the four-day visit to South Korea, ASEAN journalists visited the Cheong Gye Cheon Museum, National Museum, Chang Deok Gung Palace and ASEAN-Korea Centre in Seoul; and the International Convention Centre, Seongsan Inchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Jeju Folk Village Museum, Mount Halla, Nopeum Oreum (volcanic site) and Spirited Garden on Jeju Island.