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Air services deal could boost ASEAN-South Korea ties, says PM Lee

BUSAN — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday emphasised the need to conclude a liberal ASEAN-South Korea air services agreement, which includes the exchange of mutually beneficial traffic rights.

BUSAN — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday emphasised the need to conclude a liberal ASEAN-South Korea air services agreement, which includes the exchange of mutually beneficial traffic rights.

Speaking at the first ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit session, Mr Lee said air services between South-east Asian cities and South Korea should be built up to boost trade, tourism and economic growth.

He said: “The Koreans would like to develop their relationships further with ASEAN and we would like to work with them. We all have different agendas, so we have to focus ... on things that can make a difference on trade, on civil aviation, as well as discussions on non-conventional threats like environmental disasters and climate change.”

Mr Lee reiterated concerns — which he had also brought up on Thursday — over the free trade agreement between South Korea and Singapore, saying that not much progress has been made. Last year, trade between South Korea and Singapore was S$50.9 billion, compared with S$52.7 billion the year before.

“We’ve told the Koreans that, really, we should work on improving our Korea-Singapore FTA,” said Mr Lee. “Next year is our 40th year of diplomatic relations. President Tony Tan will be visiting Korea on a state visit, so I think it’s good that we work towards a substantive content to that visit, and not just a ceremonial occasion.”

Mr Lee said cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Korea on non-traditional security threats can be enhanced. He cited threats such as the spread of the Ebola virus and militant groups such as the Islamic State.

Mr Lee also spoke on climate change and environmental sustainability, citing the rise in sea level as an immediate threat to coastal populations in South-east Asia countries. He shared how Singapore is ensuring a higher ground level for new buildings and reclamation work — including the reclaimed land that the expansion of Changi Airport will be built on — to protect against rising sea levels.

Mr Lee commended South Korea’s low-carbon green growth policy, and welcomed the country’s experience in helping ASEAN members to combat climate change. SARA GROSSE

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