1. The first plenary meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit (head: Foreign Minister) took place from 15:00 till 16:00, February 20, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a successful ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, to be held in the ROK late this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the ROK-ASEAN dialogue relations.

o In its first meeting, the Committee, led by the Foreign Minister and composed of vice ministerial- and deputy ministerial-level officials from 21 relevant government agencies, discussed basic plans for the summit, what preparations are being made, and ways the government agencies can work together.

2. The upcoming ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, the third one to be held in the ROK following the summits in 2009 (Jeju Island) and 2014 (Busan), is expected to become a diplomatic event symbolizing the New Southern Policy as the largest international meeting hosted by the current ROK government.

o The ROK government will have all its relevant agencies make thorough preparations so that the upcoming Commemorative Summit, to be held to mark the 30th anniversary of the ROK-ASEAN dialogue relations, will become an opportunity to present a vision for the ROK-ASEAN relations for the next 30 years, and to give more impetus to the New Southern Policy.

3. The ROK government is discussing a date for the Commemorative Summit with the ASEAN side, and reviewing possible venues. The date and venue will be announced later, as soon as they are set.

4. The Preparatory Office for the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit held the signboard unveiling ceremony at its office (#706 Gwanghwamun Officia) at 14:30, February 20, with the head of the Preparatory Committee (Foreign Minister) and other members of the Committee in attendance.

* unofficial translation