GOVPH

PH Ambassador De Vega meets with Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Bader AlAwadi

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon- De Vega during her courtesy call on Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Bader AlAwadi at the Embassy of Kuwait in Seoul on 16 February 2022. (Photo by Ms. V. Velasquez)

SEOUL, 16 February 2022 — Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Seoul, H.E. Bader AlAwadi on 16 February 2022.

Both Ambassadors discussed various matters of mutual interest including mobility, trade and investment, and current events. During the meeting, Ambassador AlAwadi praised the Filipino people living and working in Kuwait for their excellent work ethic, as well as their contribution to the development of Kuwait. Ambassador De Vega availed of the opportunity to discuss Philippines and Kuwait relations and to provide updates on the Philippines’ re-opening to certain categories of travelers.

Ambassador AlAwadi warmly welcomed Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and extended his best wishes for her successful tenure in Korea. END

Philippines participate in ASEAN-Korea’s 14th Annual Council Meeting

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon- De Vega during the 14th Annual Meeting of the Council of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), on 14 February 2022.

SEOUL, 15 February 2022 — Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, in her capacity as Council Director of the Philippines, took part in the 14^th Annual Meeting of the Council of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) held online on 14 February 2022. The Council reviewed and evaluated the performance and effectiveness of the Centre’s FY2021 programs, as well as discussed and approved the proposed programs and budget for FY2022 at the Meeting.

During her intervention, Ambassador De Vega expressed appreciation for the active engagement and cooperation the ASEAN-Korea Centre developed through the years. She also extended appreciation to the New Southern Policy. The Philippines also reaffirmed its support for the programs of the coming years, noting that ASEAN-Korea Centre’s 2022 priority programs mirror the Philippines’ focus on connectivity, digital growth, and innovation. Ambassador De Vega hoped that this will include engagement and discussions of more diverse sectors, such as women entrepreneurs.

She noted that AKC’s focus on the creative and knowledge industries is an important aspect of the economic pillar. On Culture and Tourism, Ambassador De Vega looked forward to participating actively in the ASEAN Center in Jeju and to seeing the Jeju  ASEAN Hall come to fruition. She also commended the AKC’s plans on tourism familiarization, capacity building and training workshops. She encouraged the Centre to introduce more programs for engagement for culture and tourism as a way forward of building back better.

Ambassador De Vega also looked forward to discussions on the results of the ASEAN-Korea Youth survey as an input for priorities going forward. She hoped that mobility between ASEAN and Korea youth continue to be active and engaged in the coming year despite pandemic restrictions, and underscored that mobility in this sector is an important pillar of ASEAN-Korea people-to-people relations. END

ADVISORY ON THE GUIDELINES FOR VISA-FREE ENTRY OF FILIPINO NATIONALS, FORMER FILPINOS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY UNDER THE BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM