Seoul, March 27 – A senior South Korean diplomat recently concluded a visit to China, attending the Boao Forum for Asia and engaging in discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, signaling Seoul’s intent to strengthen bilateral cooperation ahead of the upcoming APEC summit.
Kim Hee-sang, South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, was in China from March 25th to 27th to brief attendees at the Boao Forum on preparations for the APEC summit, scheduled to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, later this year. He also held meetings with Chinese counterparts, including Vice Minister of Commerce, Yan Dong.
During the Boao Forum on March 26th, Kim highlighted South Korea’s commitment to a successful APEC summit and emphasized the importance of collaboration with China. With South Korea and China holding the APEC chairmanship in 2025 and 2024 respectively, Kim stressed Seoul’s desire to maintain close cooperation with Beijing.
The Republic of Korea is willing to maintain close cooperation with China, Kim stated during his presentation at the forum, underscoring the strategic importance of the relationship in the context of regional economic cooperation.
On March 27th, Kim met with China’s Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong in Beijing. Discussions centered on deepening supply chain cooperation and accelerating negotiations for a free trade agreement covering services and investment between the two nations. Kim emphasized the need for strengthened bilateral cooperation amidst growing global economic uncertainty.
In the face of increasing global economic uncertainty, it is crucial for South Korea and China to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Kim stated during the meeting.
This high-level engagement underscores the importance both countries place on their economic relationship and their commitment to regional cooperation through the APEC framework. The upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju presents a significant opportunity for South Korea to showcase its leadership in the region and to advance its economic agenda in collaboration with key partners like China. As negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement continue, the deepening of supply chain cooperation promises to further solidify the economic ties between these two major Asian economies.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, March 27). 韩外交部高官出席博鳌论坛介绍APEC庆州峰会筹备情况 [Senior Official of Korean Foreign Ministry Attends Boao Forum to Introduce Preparations for APEC Gyeongju Summit]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here]
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