On 13 October 2022, the 18th Informal Meeting among Secretaries-General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) was held online. The meeting was presided over by H.E. Mr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary-General of AJC. H.E. Mr. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of ACC, and H.E. Mr. Kim Hae-yong, Secretary-General of AKC, attended the meeting. Ms. Wang Hongliu, Director of the General Affairs and Coordination Division of ACC, Mr. Guo Chuanwei, Director of the Trade and Investment Division of ACC, and heads of relevant divisions of AJC and AKC were present.

Secretary-General Shi Zhongjun spoke highly of the progress in tripartite exchanges and cooperation, and said that nowadays the COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading, the world has entered a new phase of turbulence and transformation and changes unseen in a century are accelerating. At this crucial moment, ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries have taken their responsibilities, making concerted efforts in achieving sustainable development, fighting against the pandemic and safeguarding long-standing peace and stability in this region. This year is a crucial moment of APT cooperation as it marks the 25th anniversary of the launching of APT cooperation. ACC is ready to further strengthen working ties with AJC and AKC to jointly develop cooperation in fields including digital economy, green development, agriculture and tourism, share experiences and best practices, and promote greater development of APT cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the region.

Secretary-General Kunihiko Hirabayashi warmly congratulated Secretary-General Shi on his assumption of office, and noted that the importance of strengthening APT cooperation has been further highlighted against the backdrop of the complex evolution of the current international situation, the prolonged pandemic, and the increasing global challenges such as climate change and food and energy security. At the APT Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in August, all ministers spoke highly of the role played by the three centres in promoting regional trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. AJC is ready to join hands with ACC and AKC to carry out more cooperation programmes and activities in areas of common interest to contribute to the further development of the region.

Secretary-General Kim Hae-yong warmly congratulated Secretary-General Shi on his assumption of office, and said that since this year, AKC has actively adapted to the new normal of the pandemic and held a series of practical cooperation programmes in the Republic of Korea and ASEAN Member States, achieving positive results. At the APT Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this year, all parties called on three centres to strengthen ties and explore joint programmes. AKC is willing to conduct further cooperation with ACC and AJC, and make greater contributions to the APT cooperation and common development of the region.

The three centres gave briefings respectively on their activities in 2022 and introduced their planned flagship projects. The meeting also discussed relevant arrangements for the 19th Informal Meeting Among Secretaries-General of ACC, AJC and AKC.