Lee calls for closer Korea-ASEAN ties, eyes expanded defense and cultural cooperation with Philippines

President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that "ASEAN has expanded Korea's potential and increased its engagement with the world," while laying out plans to broaden cooperation with the Philippines across defense and culture.

Lee made the remarks in a written interview with the Philippine Star ahead of his attendance at the ASEAN Summit, saying "it is important to promote the close relationship between Korea and ASEAN."

He noted that ASEAN is Korea's second-largest trade and investment partner and that people-to-people exchanges between the two sides reach about 12 million a year.

Lee also cited progress on the "CSP Vision" — Catalyst, Springboard and Partner — that he had put forward at last year's ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

Pointing to the ongoing negotiations to upgrade the Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, Lee said the talks "aim to incorporate forward-looking trade norms into the agreement." He added that Korea would support the smooth implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to advance digital economic integration, and share its technology and experience in AI and the cultural and creative industries.

DEFA is an agreement among ASEAN member states that seeks to harmonize rules in digital areas — including e-commerce, digital payments, data flows and AI — with the goal of building a unified digital economic zone within the region.

Lee also highlighted the strengthening of investigative cooperation between the Korean National Police Agency and Aseanapol as a key example of Korea-ASEAN collaboration. Aseanapol is a regional law enforcement cooperation body that coordinates policing among Southeast Asian nations.

"This cooperation is part of our efforts to combat transnational crimes such as online scams," Lee said, adding that such measures are necessary "for economic and people-to-people exchanges to fully translate into opportunities for cooperation and shared prosperity."

Lee said he sees significance in the cooperation as a foundation for building a robust regional framework among law enforcement agencies, and expressed hope that "in the medium to long term, it could develop into a platform for security cooperation that other ASEAN dialogue partners also join."

Lee also underscored the importance of strengthening ties with the Philippines — this year's ASEAN Summit host — in the areas of defense, security and culture.

Emphasizing a vision to expand cooperation beyond infrastructure and manufacturing, Lee said: "For 77 years, the two countries have maintained a relationship of friendship and cooperation. Bridges built by Korean companies connect the islands of the Philippines, and vessels constructed by Korean firms at the Subic shipyard will sail the oceans ahead, serving as a bridge between the Philippines and the world."

"Our cooperation does not stop there," Lee added. "We are expanding into new areas such as AI, space, nuclear power and critical minerals."

Lee also shared lessons Korea has learned in building its defense industry base.

Praising the Philippines' potential to develop a defense industry suited to its own geographic and security conditions, Lee said: "The unique security environment of having to defend vast maritime and island territories is an important foundation that shapes the Philippines' distinct defense industry needs and direction."

"There are many areas where the Philippines and Korea can combine each other's strengths," Lee said, adding that cooperation could expand "beyond the simple supply of weapons systems to technology cooperation, joint production, maintenance and repair, and the training of specialized personnel."

Lee also stressed the need to establish an institutional framework for exchanges and cooperation, and pledged to streamline visa procedures for Filipino group tourists visiting Korea.

Lee departed Monday on a trip to the Philippines and China to attend the ASEAN Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.