Manila: The ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) convened in Manila, the Philippines, on April 7. The meeting saw the participation of deputy foreign ministers and senior officials from the 11 ASEAN member states, alongside leaders of the ASEAN Secretariat. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, head of the ASEAN SOM of Vietnam, led the Vietnamese delegation to the meeting.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the assembly aimed to set the stage for the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit. The officials engaged in discussions on various agendas and logistical arrangements, ensuring a coordinated approach for the forthcoming summit. This preparatory meeting is crucial for aligning the member states on shared goals and priorities.

The meeting also provided a platform for dialogue on regional issues and collaborative initiatives among ASEAN nations. The officials focused on reinforcing the collective resolve to address challenges and enhance cooperation within the region. The outcomes of this SOM are expected to influence the strategic directions and policies to be deliberated during the main summit.