30 March 2025, Seoul - In preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit which will take place in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea later this year, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with ROK officials in charge of APEC 2025. The Ambassador met with APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Ambassador Yoon Seong Mee on 28 March 2025. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated Ambassador Yoon on the Republic of Korea’s successful hosting of the APEC1 SOM in Gyeongju, ROK. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the ROK’s APEC hosting year in 2025, including its theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper” which reflects the ROK vision for the future of the region and its priorities. 

Having been posted in the Philippines, Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee recalled the long-standing and dynamic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and its key priority areas including in trade and investment, economic growth, and fostering regional cooperation. Both sides agreed to work closely together during ROK’s APEC 2025 hosting year, as the Philippines continues to advance its APEC priorities. Both sides also agreed on the importance of continuing discussions on the development of a skilled workforce through inclusivity, the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, promoting sustainable development practices in tourism, and public-private collaboration for MSMEs. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also visited the APEC ROK Preparatory Office headquarters in Myeongdong, Seoul where she met with APEC Senior Managing Director Ambassador Kim Ji-joon. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed her appreciation for hosting arrangements made during APEC SOM 1 in Gyeongju and looked forward to closer cooperation between the Philippines and the APEC ROK Preparatory Office during future APEC meetings scheduled in Busan, Jeju, Incheon, and Gyeongju. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also sought updates from the Preparatory Office on hosting arrangements and logistics for APEC member economies in preparation for a productive and impactful  APEC 2025 Economic Leaders’ Week. 

The Philippines continues to be an active member of APEC. The Embassy of the Philippines is likewise pleased to note that ROK, as host of APEC 2025, holds in high esteem Filipinos participating in the APEC meetings including those working in the APEC Secretariat in Singapore. END