The ASEAN-Korea Centre held the 13th Meeting of the Council on 9 February 2021. Considering COVID-19 pandemic situation, the annual meeting was held via videoconference.

At the meeting, the council reviewed and evaluated the Centre’s programs in FY2020 and approved FY2021 draft annual work programs and budget of the AKC which could contribute to the momentum of the ASEAN-Korea partnership despite the year-long COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the appointment of the new Secretary General, Kim Hae-yong, former Korean Ambassador to Myanmar and New Zealand, was confirmed by the council directors. Also, ASEAN Officials from Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and the Philippines will begin their three-year secondment tenure in March 2021. Through the leadership of the new Secretary General and valued contributions of the incoming seconded officials, the ASEAN-Korea Centre is expected to play an integral role in furthering mutually beneficial partnership between ASEAN and Korea.