JAKARTA, April 22 -- H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, today received H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat for a high-level bilateral meeting and the ceremonial handover of the Philippines' commemorative Chairship sculpture.

Upon her arrival, Secretary Lazaro was received by Secretary-General Dr. Kao, the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPRs), and the Deputy Secretaries-General of ASEAN. Following a commemorative photo session at the ASEAN Emblem, the principals proceeded to the ASEAN Gallery for a significant cultural ceremony.

The highlight of the visit was the "Handover of the Chairship Sculpture," a gift pres...