1. The ASEAN-Korea Centre, an international organization established by the Republic of Korea and the 10-member ASEAN with the aim to boost trade, investment and cultural and tourism exchanges, will hold its 5th Annual Council Meeting in Seoul on February 21 and 22.

* The Council is the ASEAN-Korea Centre’s highest decision-making organ comprised of delegates from the eleven countries.

2. At the Council Meeting, the Centre’s activities in the year 2012 will be evaluated, and the work programs and budget for the year 2013 will be reviewed for approval. The Meeting will also discuss the possible dispatch of officials of ASEAN member states to the Centre.

3. On February 21, First Vice Foreign Minister Ahn Ho-young will host a welcoming reception for some 150 participants, including members of the Council and the Executive Board, diplomats stationed in the ROK, and distinguished guests from the political, media, academic, business and cultural circles.

4. Since its establishment in March 2009, the ASEAN-Korea Centre, serving as a bridge between the government and private sectors, has conducted diverse projects designed to boost cooperation between the ROK and ASEAN in trade, investment, culture and tourism. The ROK government plans to upgrade the Centre into a core international organization through which to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, one of its strategic partners.

                           Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation