The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) convened today in Manila. The Meeting, which comprises plenary and retreat sessions, continued to discuss the Philippines’ Chairship priorities and deliverables to advance ASEAN Community-building, including ways to strengthen ASEAN’s external relations and preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026. The Meeting was attended by SOM Leaders of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community