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Foreword The Conference on Strengthening the Korea–ASEAN Relationship, held on 15 September 2005 in Singapore, had great implications for both Korea and Singapore for two reasons. Firstly, the year 2005 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the “Korea Festival”, various events were held to celebrate our steadily maturing and prospering relationship. Through the years’ many dialogues, both Korea and the ASEAN states have augmented their friendship and co-operative efforts. Secondly, our two countries have successfully concluded the free trade agreement (FTA) and brought it into effect in 2005. Mr Kesavapany was the architect who made this agreement possible. The FTA between Korea and Singapore is the first of its kind for Southeast Asia–Korea. Given the history of friendly co-operation between Korea and Singapore, I am very much convinced that the FTA will lead to the mutual prosperity of both countries. Furthermore, I have great hopes this FTA will become the basic framework for all of Korea’s future FTAs with its Asian neighbours. For the past thirty years, Korea and Singapore have steadily fostered friendly and co-operative relations in a many fields. Unfortunately, our scholars and experts have as yet not had the opportunity to exchange ideas. As this exchange is quite overdue, the Korea Foundation should be applauded for its endeavour in this initiative. DuetotheeffortoftheKoreaFoundationinfacilitatingscholarlyexchanges between Korea and Singapore, both states are able to better engage each other. Through in-depth dialogues such as the Korea–Singapore forum and many others like it, these two states have come to be bound by an expanded scope of common understanding and co-operation. Among the ASEAN countries, Singapore is now Korea’s largest trading partner. Many South Korean businesses are benefiting from the country’s FM.indd 7 FM.indd 7 1/24/07 2:06:03 PM 1/24/07 2:06:03 PM trade with Singapore, as the latter has become a springboard for South Korean businesses to launch their produce into the emerging ASEAN market. With the conclusion of the FTA, economic co-operation will be expanded and strengthened. Our two countries have many things in common: an information/ knowledge-based market economy, excellent human resources, a democracy and liberty, and the aspiration of becoming a regional hub. Korea is pursuing a “Policy of Peace and Prosperity” as it seeks to become a Northeast Asia regional hub. In that process, we are eager to share knowledge with Singapore, which is already a leading regional hub. As an engine of growth and development, a technological economic hub in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia will contribute to Asia’s future prosperity. Korea and Singapore have worked together to improve co-operation among East Asian countries in summits such as ASEAN plus Three, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), and Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM). We hope that such efforts for establishing an East Asian community will be fulfilled in the near future, as it will benefit Korea, Singapore, and our neighbouring countries. In this century of globalization , a country’s size is immaterial, as this is the age of innovation, creative thinking, and the power of the mind. In this respect, our two countries can play a very unique role in shaping an “Asian era”. In addition, we can explore other areas of co-operation in the area of human security. Jointly Korea and Singapore should co-operate in dealing with piracy, the safety of the sea lines of communication, organized crime, illegal migration, human trafficking, and above all, terrorism. These are very serious threats to both our countries and people. Co-operation between our two countries will make the world a safer and more peaceful place. There is an old Korean saying that goes, “A good friend makes your journey short and comfortable”. I hope the conference, and the resultant book, will contribute significantly to our prosperous future. Han Tae-kyu Chancellor Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, Korea viii Foreword FM.indd 8 FM.indd 8 1/24/07 2:06:03 PM 1/24/07 2:06:03 PM ...

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