Jakarta: The 2025 ASEAN-the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum opened in Jakarta on June 17. Themed ‘ASEAN-RoK Cooperation on Connectivity: Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 Review and Opportunities under the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP),” the event reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ACSP.

According to Lao News Agency, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn commended RoK’s commitment to enhancing connectivity through tangible regional initiatives. He emphasized that the partnership is expected to deepen, fostering a vision of connectivity that integrates infrastructure, institutions, and people, while strengthening trust and shared opportunities across the region. Connectivity rooted in cooperation offers a sustainable path toward prosperity and stability within ASEAN.

RoK Ambassador to ASEAN, Lee Jang Keun, highlighted RoK’s role as a supporter of ASEAN’s efforts, with numerous projects facilitating progress in key areas of the MPAC 2025, including infrastructure, digital innovation, and people mobility. He reaffirmed RoK’s desire to expand collaboration with ASEAN for mutual benefit and reiterated its commitment to the ASEAN-RoK partnership and support for the ASEAN Action Plan and ASEAN Vision 2045.

During the forum’s discussion sessions, speakers reviewed the implementation of MPAC 2025 and explored new avenues to enhance cooperation aligned with the ACSP goals. These efforts aim to contribute to an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on cooperation under MPAC 2025, RoK’s future role in strengthening ties with ASEAN, and joint efforts to enhance supply chain connectivity amid global trade challenges.

The forum also served as a platform for dialogue on advancing supply chain connectivity, one of the ACSP’s strategic priorities, in light of recent global trade complexities.