1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun delivered congratulatory remarks at the ASEAN-Korea music festival “ROUND 2020” (Dec. 6) hosted by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and sponsored by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund. In his remarks, Vice Minister Choi stressed ASEAN-Korea cooperation in the post-COVID-19 era and emphasized that the Korean government will continue to work together with ASEAN towards a “people-centered community of peace and prosperity.”

o In the congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Choi welcomed that the robust two-way cultural exchanges are continuing between Korea and ASEAN even under the difficult circumstances of COVID-19, and noted that the two sides could share the sense of solidarity and cooperation through music, a universal language for all countries.

o In addition, Vice Minister Choi delivered a message suggesting that the two sides overcome the global pandemic crisis together and build the people-centered community of peace and prosperity through the “New Southern Policy Plus” announced by the Korean government in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-Korea “strategic partnership.”

2. The ASEAN-Korea music festival “ROUND 2020” was sponsored by the Korean government’s ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund. The Korean government will continue efforts to promote two-way cultural exchanges between Korea and ASEAN using the Fund and to implement the New Southern Policy, one of its policy priorities.