02/11/2009
SEOUL, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak on Monday vowed to step up his efforts to upgrade diplomatic relations with Asian countries.
"Asia is rich in resources and home to about half of the world's population," said Lee in his biweekly radio address.
"In addition, the region accounts for 48 percent of Korea's trade. That's why I have promoted 'New Asia Diplomacy.' In Southeast Asia, China and Japan have long engaged in fierce competition to expand their influence and market share," said the president.
Lee first unveiled his "New Asia Initiative" during his visit to Jakarta in March. The initiative calls for Seoul to play a central role in representing the interest of Asian nations in the international arena, conclude free trade agreements with all Asian countries and establish a green growth belt in the Asian-Pacific region.
Lee last month traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia for bilateral summit talks before flying to Thailand to attend ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Plus Three summit.
"Our efforts may be belated, but we'll patiently move to improve relations with each of Asian countries in a win-win manner. Fortunately, we're on very good terms with Indonesia and Vietnam, the key states of ASEAN," said Lee.
"I have repeatedly promised to represent the interests of Asia's developing countries at next year's Group of 20 summit which Korea will host and chair," he added.
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