News analysis

Moon driving Seoul's outreach to Asean

He's working to diversify diplomacy channels amid challenges facing S. Korea, say experts

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in has fulfilled his pledge to visit all 10 Asean countries, and the six-day trip to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos this week demonstrated again his commitment to his signature New Southern Policy, which is aimed at upgrading ties with the regional bloc.

Mr Moon is the first South Korean president to visit all the South-east Asian countries and he has done so ahead of the upcoming Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit to be held in November in his home town of Busan in South Korea.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 07, 2019, with the headline Moon driving Seoul's outreach to Asean. Subscribe