The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday said the Philippines has convened the ad hoc Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) Working Group (WG) on June 29 to advance preparations for the bloc’s high-level defense engagements this year.

DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the meeting was done via video conference and presided by Defense Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita Yoro, in her capacity as ADSOM WG chair.

“Building on the deliberations from previous meetings, discussions focused on the review of key outcome deliverables, including the joint declaration and statement for adoption during the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and 13th ADMM-Plus to be held later this year,” he added.

Andolong said the ADSOM WG also took note of efforts under the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centers Network (APCN), particularly following the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ hosting of the 10th APCN Meeting last May.

At the meeting, the DND spokesperson emphasized the the commitment of ASEAN member states to advancing regional defense and security initiatives across the region through practical collaboration and dialogue. (PNA)