Undersecretary Lazaro Leads Philippine Delegation to the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting in Preparation for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits

Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (2nd from left) and Senior Officials at the opening of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Vientiane, Lao PDR (Photo credit: ASEAN-Lao PDR)

MANILA 07 October 2024 - At the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held on 07 October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro acknowledged the leadership of Lao PDR as this year’s ASEAN Chair and expressed support for efforts towards enhancing connectivity and resilience.

Among the key topics discussed by the Senior Officials were on ASEAN Community Building, Timor-Leste’s preparations for full membership in ASEAN, and strengthening relations with Dialogue Partners, among others.

Undersecretary Lazaro highlighted Philippine initiatives as Coordinator of ASEAN-India relations particularly on advancing digital transformation and on tourism promotion. She also thanked other ASEAN Member States for supporting the 7th ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting held in New York on 25 September and co-chaired by the Philippines and Chile.

The SOM was convened in preparation for the 44th and 45th Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos. END

Undersecretary Lazaro delivering PH statements at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Vientiane, Laos on 07 October 2024. (Photo credit: ASEAN-Lao PDR)