South Korea’s Minister Expresses Hope For Bigger Asean Role In Securing Peace On Korean Peninsula

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat during their meeting in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2025, in this photo provided by the unification ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
10/11/2025 03:43 PM

SEOUL, Nov 10 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met with Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat on Monday and expressed hope that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will play a bigger role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"I expect ASEAN to play a greater role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) at its centre," Chung told the Thai envoy during their meeting at his office in central Seoul.

For the 2024-27 period, Thailand is serving as the country coordinator between ASEAN and South Korea. It also hosts the largest North Korean Embassy among ASEAN members.

Chung said the security situation on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia directly and indirectly affects ASEAN, while also noting the strengthening ties between Thailand and North Korea.

Sangrat expressed hope that South Korea will "make good use of the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum)," which includes North Korea among its members.

"We reaffirm Thailand's commitment and support to the Republic of Korea in our common mission to promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," the ambassador also said.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP