ASEAN-Korea Train ride concludes successfully

THE successful journey of the ASEAN-Korea Train was celebrated at Grand Hyatt Seoul hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea, yesterday, and Union Information Minister Dr Pe Myint delivered an address of his experience on the journey.

Aimed at promoting people-centered connectivity between ASEAN and Korea, the three-day train ride was organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center and hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Some 140 representatives from ASEAN member countries involving top government officials, ambassadors, youth, multi-cultural families, performers and media professionals were taken from Seoul through the cities of Gyeongju, Busan, Suncheon and Gwangju.

During the celebratory ceremony, ROK Foreign Minister Mrs Kang Kyung-wha talked on the success of the journey and the realization of its objective to increase cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.

MoI Union Minister’s speech

Next, Dr Pe Myint spoke on the unique characteristics of each city they visited. He praised the KBS open concert, performances on the train, traditional korean food, and cultural exchange at Gwangju.

The Union Minister said he was delighted to have been able to attend the ASEAN-Korea Prosperity Night at the commercial port city of Busan. He said Suncheon Bay and the urban landscape of the cities are attractive spots for travelling.

The Union Minister spoke of the promise between ASEAN and South Korea to strengthen multilateral cooperation in all sectors and the recognition given by ASEAN leaders on South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s New Southern Policy. He said trade prospects between ASEAN and South Korea for 2020 are projected to reach US$200 billion. He said they are aiming to increase travel between ASEAN and South Korea by 15 million, so as to promote youths and the media sector. The Union Minister concluded his address by thanking the ROK Foreign Affairs Ministry, ASEAN-Korea Center and all contributors for this programme on behalf of everyone for organizing the train journey. He also parted well wishes for the up-coming ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit. The ASEAN-Korea Train was an official sideline event of the upcoming summit and also a commemoration for 30 years of ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations. On the second day of the train journey, the Union Minister, Myanmar Ambassador to ROK U Thant Sin and delegation visited Suncheon Bay wetland and the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju where they observed decorative lights celebrating the trip.

Yesterday afternoon, the Union Minister visited Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower in the capital. He also gave an interview from Korea TV where he answered about his visit to South Korea and the New Southern Policy.

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar