Seoul remains cautious on NK Kim’s presence at ASEAN summit

Korea will host the Korea-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) special summit in the port city of Busan on Nov. 25 and 26, the presidential office said Sunday. In addition, the Korea-Mekong Summit will be held on Nov. 27.

“The summit is organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of official dialogue between Korea and ASEAN countries,” presidential economics adviser Joo Hyung-chul said during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Sunday.

Joo also serves as head of the Presidential Committee on New Southern Policy.

Cheong Wa Dae announced some of the details with about 100 days to go until what is expected to be the largest diplomatic event under the Moon Jae-in administration since Moon took power.

Moon has placed special importance on advancing relations with ASEAN countries as a way of diversifying Korea’s diplomacy, which has been focused on the four major powers.

“The summit will reaffirm ASEAN’s support for our New Southern Policy and further accelerate it,” Joo said.

The event will begin with an official dinner hosted by Moon on Nov. 25, followed by meetings and lunch with ASEAN leaders and a joint press conference on Nov. 26.

“This is the largest international conference under this administration, so it is being prepared with the cooperation of various ministries and also with the city administration of Busan,” Joo said.

About 10,000 participants, including delegations from business and various other sectors from the relevant countries, are expected at the event. There have been news reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be invited, but Cheong Wa Dae was cautious about it.

“The most important thing right now is the U.S.-North Korea talks,” Joo said. “The invitation depends on the progress of U.S.-North Korea relations.”