South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has deepened ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during his visit to Laos for the ASEAN and ASEAN+3 summits. Yoon and ASEAN leaders announced on Thursday the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is set to elevate cooperation in key areas such as trade, technology and security. The new agreement focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding collaboration in smart cities, artificial intelligence and green energy.

In the joint statement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring maritime security in the South China Sea, using the United Nations Convention