BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 04 July 2019 — The Philippines actively participated in discussions to further advance ASEAN relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK) at the recently-concluded 23^rd ASEAN–ROK Dialogue in Bandar Seri Begawan on 02-03 July 2019.

The Philippine delegation headed by DFA Assistant Secretary Junever M. Mahilum-West, took the lead during the meeting’s exchange of views on climate change, disaster and environmental protection.

Other topics that were discussed during the Dialogue include regional connectivity, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes; maritime cooperation, fisheries and marine conservation; ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA); ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC); developments of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the ASEAN-ROK Business Council; food and energy security; regional connectivity; people-to-people exchanges and the ASEAN Culture House (ACH). The meeting also tackled regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The meeting was co-chaired by Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Dayang Emaleen binti Abdul Rahman Teo and ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Yoon Soon-Gu.

Brunei Darussalam is the Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations for 2018-2021.

This year marks the 30^th Anniversary of the ASEAN-ROK Partnership, which would culminate in the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in November in Busan. END

Assistant Secretary Mahilum-West delivers her intervention at the 23^rd ASEAN–ROK Dialogue. (Brunei PE photo)