Seoul: Representatives of South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met Tuesday in Seoul to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in security, economic, and other areas, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hye attended the annual Korea-ASEAN Dialogue, along with officials from the 11 member states of ASEAN. The meeting was held in anticipation of a series of ASEAN-related foreign ministerial meetings set to occur later this month.

The participants reviewed progress in implementing plans to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two sides and exchanged views on ways to further expand cooperation. Chung shared South Korea's vision of leveraging its strengths in artificial intelligence (AI) with ASEAN and promoting joint growth in cultural and creative industries, capitalizing on the global popularity of Korean culture.

Chung also urged ASEAN's support and active participation in cooperative projects proposed by the Seoul government, including initiatives aimed at combating scam-related crimes. The participants exchanged views on major regional and international issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, and the situation in Myanmar.

The ministry stated, "We reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a Korean Peninsula where the two Koreas can coexist peacefully and prosper together, and expressed hope for continued close cooperation with ASEAN to promote sustainable peace and stability in the region."

ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to convene in Manila later this month. South Korea plans to participate in related meetings, including the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), to discuss regional security issues and explore ways to deepen cooperation.