Seoul, Oct 24 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-day journey to Malaysia to participate in the regional summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as announced by the presidential office on Friday. This marks his inaugural visit to Southeast Asia since assuming office in June.

On Sunday, Lee will head to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit, where he aims to discuss strategies to bolster South Korea's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the ten-member organization, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.

During the summit on Monday, Lee will present his vision for enhancing collaboration with the regional bloc and will actively participate in discussions.

This year, South Korea aims to deepen cooperation in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence and will address the issue of online scams, amidst growing concerns over crimes directed at South Koreans in Southeast Asia, Wi reported.

In light of the recent torture and death of a South Korean student lured into a scam center in Cambodia—an incident that has stirred widespread public outrage—Lee has pledged to fortify international cooperation to combat transnational crimes, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Additionally, Lee plans to explore the establishment of a “virtuous cycle” of trilateral cooperation among Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo via the ASEAN forum and will articulate his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula, seeking ASEAN members' support and constructive contributions to his initiatives, as noted by Wi.

At last month's UN General Assembly, Lee introduced his vision to alleviate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and enhance inter-Korean relations through the “END” initiative, which stands for “exchange,” “normalisation,” and “denuclearisation.”

On the sidelines of the summit, Lee will engage in discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Monday regarding the strategic partnership and ongoing issues, including online scams, Wi added.

Later that same day, Lee will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to explore avenues for strengthening their strategic partnership and enhancing practical cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and the defense industry.