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ASEAN COMMITTEE IN SEOUL AGREE TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL COOPERATION WITH 1st VICE FOREIGN MINISTER KIM HONG KYUN

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega (right-most, first row) joins the rest of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul for a photo opportunity with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun (center, first row) after a productive luncheon meeting.

5 February 2025, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega participated in the luncheon-meeting hosted by 1st Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun for the ASEAN Committee in Seoul on 5 February 2024. The meeting, originally scheduled as an activity under the Philippine Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul from July - December 2024, was an opportunity for the Philippines to reaffirm the commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN member states and enhancing regional cooperation on key political, economic, and security issues with the Republic of Korea. 

During the meeting, Vice Minister Kim engaged in discussions with the ASEAN Committee in Seoul on a wide range of topics, including economic resilience, sustainable development, digital transformation, and regional security. In particular, he emphasized the Republic of Korea's continued support for ASEAN Centrality, ASEAN's important role in keeping peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Republic of Korea's dedication to advancing the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI).

1st Vice Foreign Minister Kim likewise reiterated South Korea’s commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, calling for continued international cooperation in addressing related security challenges. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order and the importance of strengthening regional mechanisms such as ASEAN to promote dialogue. 

On the economic front, participants underscored the need to bolster supply chain resilience, expand trade and investment opportunities, and foster innovation through digital and green partnerships. The ASEAN Committee in Seoul welcomed the ROK government's willingness to work closely with ASEAN in key sectors such as smart infrastructure, clean energy, and digital economy.

For the Philippines, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega looked forward to the ROK’s continued active engagement in meetings hosted by different countries in the ASEAN region. For this year, the Philippines will be hosting several international meetings across different sectors such as health and good governance through open government partnership, among others. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise conveyed her appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s consistent public support of the importance of upholding the rule of law and a rules-based international order. 

The Philippines and the Republic of Korea are strategic partners whose strong ties are based on like-minded values and a shared vision for a prosperous and stable region. Our robust political and defense cooperation, the recent signing of the Philippines - Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, the elevation of relations to a Strategic Partnership, and our strong people-to-people ties are among the close manifestations of our long-standing and dynamic partnership. END

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