The Department of National Defense (DND) convened the Ad Hoc ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting-Plus (ADSOM-Plus) Working Group via video conference on 30 June to advance preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in October.

The meeting was chaired by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro, who serves as chair of the ADSOM-Plus Working Group.

Participants discussed priority initiatives to strengthen ASEAN defense cooperation, particularly on youth, peace, and security, while enhancing coordination among ASEAN member states and partner countries. The meeting also served as a venue to discuss key preparatory matters for the high-level defense meeting later this year.

Representatives from ASEAN member states attended the meeting along with the Plus Countries — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States — as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.

Anchored on the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN member states and partner countries to advancing practical defense cooperation, strengthening regional peace and security, and promoting meaningful youth participation in peace and security initiatives.