President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to South Korea on Friday after a six-day diplomatic trip to the Philippines, Singapore, and Laos, aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations and garnering support for his North Korea policy. His visit included participation in annual summits with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos, marking his third consecutive year at the event, which has gained importance amid rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Notably, South Korea and ASEAN elevated their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," the highest level of engagement possible. During his time in Singapore, South Korea signed a supply chain partnership agreement and a memorandum of understanding on liquefied natural gas cooperation. In the Philippines, the two nations established a strategic partnership, marking a significant upgrade in their 75-year diplomatic relationship. South Korea committed approximately $2 billion from its Economic Development Cooperation Fund to support key infrastructure projects and also signed an MOU for a feasibility study on the long-stalled Bataan nuclear power plant.