His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the 9th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit. Leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of concern and reviewed the progress of ASEAN-Republic of Korea cooperation.

His Majesty signs the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Economic Cooperation

His Majesty congratulated President Roh Moo Hyun on the successful hosting of the recent APEC meeting in Busan. His Majesty also appreciated President Roh’s personal efforts in trying to resolve the problems in the Korean Peninsula whose commitment towards achieving peace and stability had done a great deal in building and restoring confidence in the region.

On the dialogue relations between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction at its overall progress and the signing of the Framework Agreement later would set a clearer path towards strengthening economic cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.

His Majesty also stated that the eventual establishment of the Free Trade Area would be an important mechanism supporting economic stability and thus, contributing to overall regional peace and prosperity.

As for the future, His Majesty looked forward to the broadening cooperation in the areas such as disaster management, small and medium enterprises, information and communication technology, human resource development, youth and media exchanges.

His Majesty believed that the broad cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea would send not only positive message to potential investors but also would demonstrate to the people of both sides that ASEAN and the Republic of Korea were able to work very well together.

After the meeting, His Majesty consented to join other leaders of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea to sign the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Economic Cooperation.