Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as Philippines Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader, convened the ASEAN SOM on 08 June 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The meeting marked the fourth convening of ASEAN Senior Officials under the Philippines’ Chairship. It was held to consolidate the gains made following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu and to advance preparations for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2026.
“We have charted a steady course, generating momentum across all three pillars and through our key ASEAN-led mechanisms,” Undersecretary Herrera-Lim said in his Opening Remarks.
Anchored on the Philippines’ Chairship vision to Lead, Sail, and Rise as one region, Senior Officials deliberated on key agenda items, including applications for accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and preparations for the Commemorative Activity marking the TAC’s 50th Anniversary in July.
Senior Officials also exchanged views on areas of potential cooperation under the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, reaffirming the region’s commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament. Discussions likewise addressed the importance of sustaining robust engagement with ASEAN’s external partners to better equip the region in managing shared risks and emerging challenges.
“As we convene for today’s Senior Officials’ Meeting, this progress serves to remind us of how far we can go if only we navigate uncertainty together. It is in this context that I encourage all of us to capitalize on the momentum that we have generated in our engagements,” Undersecretary Herrera-Lim added. ###
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