DFA Convenes 31st ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) Meeting

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever M. Mahilum-West presides over the 31st ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) Meeting on 03 September 2021 via video conference. (DFA-ASEAN photo) 

PASAY CITY 06 September 2021 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) convened the 31st ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) Meeting on 03 September 2021 via video conference. Over 150 attendees from more than 50 partner AMTB agencies representing the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillars participated in the Meeting.

The Meeting discussed progress in the implementation of the priorities and concrete deliverables of Brunei Darussalam in its ASEAN Chairmanship, ASEAN’s continuing efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, developments and ongoing meetings and activities under the Community Pillars, as well as preparations for the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits scheduled in October 2021. The Department also provided updates on important developments in the region, particularly on the situation in Myanmar, as well as the status of the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

The DFA thanked partner agencies for their valued assistance and participation during the activities held in August 2021 in celebration of the 54th anniversary of ASEAN, which focused on the theme “ASEAN Identity and Legacy: Remembering Southeast Asia’s Culture and Heritage.”

The AMTB serves as an important venue for exchanges in information and updates among government agencies to regularly discuss pertinent regional issues and preparations for forthcoming major ASEAN summits and other meetings, initiatives and activities. END