Korea donates to ASEAN Foundation

JAKARTA (JP): Diplomatic notes were signed here for a US$200,000 contribution by the Republic of Korea to the ASEAN Foundation on Monday.

The donation was handed over in a signing ceremony between the chairman of the foundation's board of trustees, Somphand Kokilanon, and Korean Ambassador Hong Jung-pyo.

"With the contribution, the ASEAN Foundation will move forward to promote ASEAN awareness among people of Southeast Asia, strengthening relations with people of North Asia," Kokilanon said.

He said the foundation -- now in its second year of operation -- was conducting several projects in the areas of civil services, small and medium enterprises and education.

Ambassador Hong said the donation was part of his country's commitment to further enhance ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members.

"Our government would like this fund to be utilized to assist in the implementation of the human resources development," Hong said.

Korea-ASEAN trade reached $24.4 billion last year, making ASEAN Korea's fourth largest trading partner, while Korea is the third largest investor in ASEAN.

The Korean government is currently committed to 21 projects worth a total of $356 million in four ASEAN countries, the ambassador added. (jun)