JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on September 6, 2023, Marcos Jr. underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council Resolutions.

For context, North Korea, often referred to as DPRK, carried out what it termed as its second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August.

Several reports mentioned that the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error.

This launch comes after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October.

"We (…) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the ROK's audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world," Marcos said.

Marcos also appreciated the ROK's continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a key pillar of the rules-based international order.

"We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and other coercive activities," he said. "We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected."

Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), which will further deepen ASEAN and ROK's collaboration on common political, economic, social, and cultural concerns.

"In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the ROK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-ROK comprehensive security cooperation," he said.

Marcos also thanked the ROK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions in emergency humanitarian assistance for the damages caused by the recent typhoons.

"We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said.

On the economic front, Marcos said that ASEAN and ROK will continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains to further expand mutual trade through the effective implementation of ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation projects and programs.

He also underscored ASEAN's strong partnership with the ROK on preserving biodiversity throughout the years.

"We thank the ROK for its consistent support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, located in the Philippines, in fulfilling their vision of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity," he said.

Marcos concluded by welcoming ROK's intention to elevate their relation with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

"We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. "Such deepening relations continue to serve as a good indicator of the development and evolution of the ASEAN-ROK relation."