Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit the Philippines next week for a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation with partner nations and addressing regional and global issues, the foreign ministry announced on Tuesday. Cho's visit, scheduled for July 22, will include co-chairing the 29th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting alongside Thailand and engaging in bilateral talks with his counterparts from the Philippines and other countries.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during his two-day visit, Cho will participate in several key meetings, including the ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers' meeting, which involves Japan and China, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) foreign ministers' meeting, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) foreign ministers' meeting. These gatherings are designed to foster discussions on strengthening practical cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural and creative industries.

Under the ASEAN Plus Three framework, Cho will collaborate with Japan and China to enhance regional supply chain resilience, particularly in areas like energy and food security. The meetings will also serve as a platform for reaffirming Seoul's commitment to contributing to regional security efforts.

The foreign ministry emphasized that Cho will seek continued support from ASEAN for South Korea's policy toward the Korean Peninsula. The discussions are expected to advance the implementation of South Korea's vision for a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.