Seoul, 27 July 2026. As Manila wraps up a successful series of ASEAN meetings this July, we look back at the 30th ASEAN–Republic of Korea Dialogue held in Seoul on 7–8 July 2026, where Undersecretary for Policy and Philippine Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Leo M. Herrera-Lim led the Philippine delegation.

During the Dialogue, Undersecretary Herrera-Lim held productive discussions with ROK Deputy Foreign Minister and ASEAN SOM Leader Cecilia Eunhae Chung, as well as his ASEAN counterparts, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment as 2026 ASEAN Chair to advancing our shared aspirations under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Many of the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair are closely aligned with the ASEAN–ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in maritime cooperation, security, trade and investment, MSME development, environmental protection, and climate action. The Dialogue likewise highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation in promoting regional peace and stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. The Philippines values the Republic of Korea as a trusted partner in advancing ASEAN’s maritime priorities anchored on a rules-based international order and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On the sidelines of the Dialogue, the Philippine delegation visited ASEAN Panorama 2026, the ASEAN-Korea Centre’s rotating trade and cultural exhibition, which currently showcases the Philippines and its products. The delegation was also pleased to meet Ms. Ofelia “Penny” Usigan, Head of the ASEAN-Korea Centre’s Trade and Investment Unit, and a proud Filipina contributing to stronger ASEAN–ROK cooperation.

Joining Undersecretary Herrera-Lim in the Philippine delegation were Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Assistant Secretary and ASEAN-Philippines Director-General Anne Marie L. Hernando, ASEAN-Philippines Director Josel N. Mostajo, and Second Secretary and Consul Reisha L. Olavario. END