Seoul: South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit the Philippines next week to engage in a series of crucial meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The discussions aim to enhance cooperation with partner nations and address pressing regional and global challenges, as announced by the foreign ministry on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho's two-day visit commencing on July 22 will include co-chairing the 29th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting alongside Thailand. In addition to this, Cho will conduct bilateral talks with his counterparts from the Philippines, the current ASEAN chair, and other participating countries.

Cho's agenda also includes attending the ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers' meeting, which involves Japan and China, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) foreign ministers' meeting, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) foreign ministers' meeting. These meetings are expected to focus on advancing the implementation of a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN and exploring practical cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence and cultural industries, as mentioned by ministry spokesperson Park Il.

Within the ASEAN Plus Three framework, Cho will collaborate with Japan and China to enhance regional supply chain resilience, specifically addressing energy and food security. Furthermore, Cho will reaffirm South Korea's commitment to regional security efforts and seek continued ASEAN support for South Korean policies concerning the Korean Peninsula.

Attention is also drawn to the potential participation of North Korea in the ARF. Last year marked the first time in 25 years that North Korea did not send a delegation to the forum. Although indications suggest North Korea "may be leaning toward skipping this year's forum," no definitive decision has been reported.