Moon calls for stronger cooperation to end pandemic at ASEAN summit with Japan, China

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday urged the leaders of Southeast Asian countries, as well as Japan and China, to step up their regional cooperation to help the world end the COVID-19 pandemic, his office said.

Moon also reaffirmed the need for stronger regional cooperation to jointly address challenges posed by the pandemic and establish a more resilient and sustainable future, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

During his opening remarks at the annual Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Three Summit, Moon said free trade and multilateral trade agreements are important to restore pandemic-disrupted global supply chains.

"As an axis of global vaccine production, the Republic of Korea will make its best efforts for a fair and swift supply of vaccines," Moon said.

Other attendees included Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

It set the stage for Moon's first meeting with Kishida, albeit via video links, since he became Japan's prime minister.

This week's summits organized by the ASEAN have focused on how to step up cooperation to cope with public health crises, such as COVID-19, and regional solidarity in a post-pandemic era.

Also on Wednesday, Moon was scheduled to attend the East Asian Summit (EAS) session involving the ASEAN members, South Korea, Japan, China, the United States, Russia, Australia, India and New Zealand.

At the EAS summit, Moon is expected to highlight Seoul's efforts toward the goal of making the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free and bringing about peace in the region.

kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)