By Yoon Sojung with contribution from Kwon Soojin
Video = Lee Jun Young and Park Daejin

"I believe that ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries including Laos highly value their partnerships with Korea," Laotian Ambassador to Korea Songkane Luangmuninthone says on ties between Seoul and ASEAN.

He added, "Korea has done a lot not only to expand relations between ASEAN countries as a whole but with each ASEAN country." He gave this background on elevating Korea-ASEAN ties, which mark their 35th anniversary this year, to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

With his country serving as this year's chair of ASEAN, the ambassador expressed high hopes for President Yoon Suk Yeol's trip in Laos from Oct. 9 to attend the ASEAN and ASEAN Plus Three summits.

"I hope this visit offers the opportunity for Korea to expand relations not only with ASEAN but also our bilateral relations," he said.

The following are excerpts from a Korea.net interview on Oct. 4 with the diplomat at his office in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. 

What significance does President Yoon's visit to Laos for the ASEAN Summit have?

This is President Yoon's first visit to Laos. He will attend the ASEAN and ASEAN Plus Three summits and hold talks with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith and other leaders. I hope this visit will offer an opportunity for Korea to expand relations not only with ASEAN but also our bilateral relations.

What is the agenda of the upcoming ASEAN Summit?

The theme of ASEAN 2024 is enhancing connectivity and resilience. It aims to make Asia well-connected to the world and between our regions as well as being resilient in this uneasy time around the world.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea dialogue relations, so we will upgrade such ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In this regard, we have three goals: advancing security and peace for all, building a smarter, greener and connected future, and creating a social cultural platform for young and future generations. This vision will be the cornerstone for ASEAN and Korea to expand their relations.

What is Laos' assessment of Korea-ASEAN relations?

I believe ASEAN countries including Laos highly value their partnerships with Korea. Korea has done a lot not only to expand relations between ASEAN countries as a whole but with each ASEAN country.

Laos also certainly highly values the assistance and support that the Korean government and people have provided to ASEAN countries including Laos.

In your view, what has been the biggest outcome of bilateral cooperation?

Both countries are preparing events to mark the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations next year. This embassy also plans a series of lectures and exhibitions. Leaders and foreign ministers of both countries meet frequently to closely discuss political issues. 

Trade volume is also increasing. More Korean tourists are visiting Laos, too, with over 90,000 in the first quarter this year.

What projects are both countries pursuing, especially in Laos?

The Korea International Cooperation Agency has very actively helped many projects in Laos in sectors like renewable energy, sewage and health care. Korea has actively provided official development assistance and EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) loans, which allow us to develop our infrastructure throughout the country.

In the private sector, Korea's non-profit organizations have very actively assisted the Lao people such as building schools and hospitals and providing equipment, educational supplies, shoes, medicines and others. I would like to express our appreciation to the Korean government and people for giving valuable support to the Lao people.

In what areas do both countries wish to boost cooperation?

I would say digitalization first because Korea has expertise in this area. I also want to mention renewable energy, green economy and agricultural processing because Korea has know-how in these sectors. 

Laos is a landlocked country that wishes to boost connectivity with its neighbors. For this, we need a lot of infrastructure. Korean construction companies have high expertise especially in infrastructure like roads and airports. I just learned that a Korean company was recently granted a license to renovate and expand Luang Prabang International Airport. By doing so, we can improve our infrastructure through the participation of Korean companies.

Laos has diplomatic relations with both Koreas. What role can Vientiane play in preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula?

I think Laos is an ally to both Koreas. We are a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and would like to see peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and certainly a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

In (inter-Korean) relations, we would like to see (both Koreas) become more friendly and wish to be like a matching friend to both sides.

  

This year is Visit Laos Year. How will your nation boost tourism exchange and cooperation?

Apart from the capital Vientiane, we have a lot of tourist attractions such as the well-known tourist destination Vang Vieng and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Luan Parbang, Vat Phou temple (complex) in Champasak, Plain of Jars in Xiengkhuang and Si Phan Don, which has more than 4,000 islands. 

Recently, we introduced an important tourism policy centered on community involvement. This allows tourists to visit a village where our ethnic people live so that they can spend time there and experience their lifestyle. This community-based sustainable tourism will have its benefits go directly to local economies. These are where I would like to see more Koreans visit in Laos.

You assumed your ambassadorship in Seoul in May 2023. What are your goals while serving here?

My goal is to first to promote Laos to the Korean people. About 4,000 Lao people live in Korea, and I want to protect and help them so that they can better adjust to life in Korea. I'm also trying to learn more about Korea. I enjoy Korean dramas, food and Hanbok (traditional clothing) and wish to know more about the country and its people.

arete@korea.kr