It has been said that the 19th century was the European century and that the 20th century was a period of Western dominance. Many now proclaim that the 21st century will be a time for Asia to shine.

The upcoming Asian Century calls for a new vision for Asia. A new vision of Asia’s growth, that leads to the prosperity and development of the world economy.

We meet at a moment of profound change and challenge. We confront global crises, the likes of which we have not seen in generations, all hitting at once?food, fuel, flu, finance. These compound other, even greater challenges.

Korea is the best example of the fruits and benefits of globalization. It is the best answer to those who wrongly, in my view, blame the recent economic plunge on the alleged excesses of globalization and open markets.

I believe now is the time for East Asia to build a community based on a new vision for mutual benefit and common prosperity.

There is a vital step which must be taken to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia. This is the resolution of the ongoing conflict on the Korean peninsula.

In Northeast Asia, there remains a residual bitterness over history and ideology that has arisen from years of imperialism and the Cold War era.

Meanwhile, an increasingly self-confident South Korea (whose GDP is already larger than that of the whole of ASEAN) is beginning to chart a course independent of its American patron. But, it may not have been entirely passive in the face of North Korea’s nuclear provocations. In November 2005, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The issue of peace building and stabilization in Northeast Asia has two dimensions. First, it should be viewed in the global context, within the framework of world relations. The NEA region is part of the world. At the same time, security and stability have their region-specific aspect in the NEA.

Regarding the creation of a “Northeast Asian community” together with an “East Asian community,” don’t you think it is time for Korea, China and Japan to go beyond the past and join hands and move forward.