As part of the ASEAN Ambassadors Seminar Series organized by the SSUA ASEAN Center and the Institute of Area Studies, His Excellency Henry S. Bensurto Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Türkiye, delivered a lecture titled “ASEAN and the Philippines.” The event took place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall, and was attended with great interest by faculty members, students, and representatives of the diplomatic missions of ASEAN countries. Ambassador Serap Ersoy, Director General for Asian Multilateral Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also participated in the program.

In his presentation, Ambassador Bensurto discussed ASEAN’s historical development from its establishment to the present, alongside the region’s economic and demographic dynamics. He highlighted the three foundational pillars of ASEAN: the Political–Security Community, the Socio-Cultural Community, and the Economic Community. The structure of ASEAN’s membership and partnerships was outlined, and Türkiye’s political, economic, and social relations with the region were evaluated.

Ambassador Bensurto also introduced the theme of the Philippines’ upcoming 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” outlining its key priorities in the areas of peace and security, prosperity corridors, and societal empowerment.

Following the lecture, a question-and-answer session was held, and a certificate of appreciation was presented to Ambassador Bensurto for his participation. The program concluded with a group photo session and a reception.