21 February 2024, Seoul - The Philippines, through its Council Director H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, supported ASEAN-Korea Centre projects on Sustainable Tourism, Youth Exchanges, and Start-Up Innovation during the 16th Annual Meeting of the Council on 21 February 2024.

The 16th Annual Meeting of the Council evaluated the ASEAN-Korea Centre's 2023 accomplishments, discussed strategies for closer cooperation and deeper ASEAN-Korea Centre engagement with ASEAN Member States and the ROK, and approved proposed programs and budgets for FY 2024.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega also recognized the AKC's efforts in translating H.E. Elizabeth Buensuceso's publication into Korean, showcasing the AKC's collaboration with the ASEAN community. Highlighting the significance of youth exchanges, academic linkages, and fostering a culture of understanding, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also recognized the importance of the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop, Survey on Mutual Perceptions of ASEAN and Korean Youths, and the Council of ASEAN Professors in Korea (CAPK).

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also expressed her gratitude for the AKC's organization of the Sustainable Tourism Development Forum in Palawan, Philippines in January 2024, which addressed digital marketing, an integral component of the ASEAN-Korea Plan of Action 2021-2025. To foster stronger ties, the Ambassador encouraged AKC to explore collaborations with the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity in the Philippines and create more impactful content for the public by utilizing new social media personalities who embody the spirit of ASEAN-Korea cooperation.

The Philippines looks forward to working with the ASEAN-Korea Centre and support the Centre's FY 2024 culture and tourism, trade and investment, information and data goals, and stronger monitoring and evaluation of projects. END