Seoul, 11 February 2026 – H.E. Bernadette Therese Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea, as Council Director of the Philippines, formally assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) Council during the 18th Annual AKC Council Meeting held at the Westin Josun Seoul on 11 February 2026. Following the handover, Ambassador Fernandez, as the new Chair, presided over the proceedings, which reviewed the AKC's 2025 accomplishments—including 38 programs—and approved the 2026 Annual Work Program and Budget. Outgoing Chair, Council Director of Malaysia Fairuz Adli Mohd Rozali commended the AKC's role in deepening ASEAN-ROK ties, while H.E. Kim Jae-shin, AKC Secretary-General, highlighted key 2026 projects such as the ASEAN Hall in Jeonju and the launch of the ASEAN Officials Trade Academy.

Amb. Fernandez stated that the Philippines’ chairmanship of the AKC Council would align with its broader 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”—anchored in Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. This also conforms with the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action 2026–2030 and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, positioning the AKC to drive economic dynamism, digitalization, connectivity, and cultural integration for ASEAN's Community Vision 2045. The Council also endorsed Timor-Leste's immediate observer participation, enhancing inclusive regional outreach.

The Council Meeting was followed by a reception attended by 150 stakeholders, featuring remarks from H.E. Chung Eui-hae, Republic of Korea Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Philippines commits to actively support AKC initiatives, reinforcing pragmatic diplomacy and ASEAN-ROK partnership for shared prosperity. -END