The ASEAN-Korea Center (AKC) convened its 17th Annual Council Meeting on February 13, 2025, at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul. The Council, comprising senior government officials from the 10 ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), reviewed the achievements of FY2024 programs and approved the proposed initiatives and budget for FY2025.
Representing the Philippines at the meeting, Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega participated in her capacity as the Council Director, accompanied by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario.
During the discussions, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to AKC’s strategic initiatives, particularly those centered on sustainable innovation aligned with the ESG agenda. She also expressed support for AKC’s plans to enhance its interactive cultural and tourism promotion space in Seoul, expand public diplomacy outreach to journalists, provide human resources management training, and facilitate deeper discussions on ASEAN-ROK relations at the annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.
“The Philippines is also prepared to contribute to the AKC’s cultural collection,” Ambassador Dizon-De Vega stated while commending the AKC Cultural Unit for its dedicated efforts in promoting ASEAN culture and tourism in Korea.
As a pivotal organization fostering ASEAN-Korea cooperation, the AKC remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations, increasing public awareness of ASEAN and the ROK, and advancing collaboration across key sectors—including trade and investment, culture and tourism, and information sharing.
The Council also reviewed key commemorative activities marking diplomatic milestones in 2024, such as the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations and the establishment of the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Notable events included the International Conference on ASEAN-Korea Partnership 2024, the unveiling of Jeju Olle Trail Route 8: ASEAN-Korea Olle, the launch of the Korean ESG Guidebook, and the ASEAN-Korea Youth Summit.
Looking ahead, Council members discussed ASEAN’s future trajectory, including the upcoming release of the ASEAN Vision 2045. They also expressed strong support for AKC’s plans to establish additional ASEAN Promotional Spaces in Seoul and expand engagement with diverse audiences—including opinion leaders, journalists, and youth—while advancing sustainability initiatives such as ESG programs.
The meeting concluded with a dinner reception, where Kang Insun, Korea’s Second Vice Foreign Minister, delivered congratulatory remarks, reaffirming the ROK government’s commitment to deepening ASEAN-ROK relations and supporting the ASEAN-Korea Center’s initiatives.
