Pasay City:The Philippines has called upon the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain their collective efforts to promote regional peace and security beyond the year 2026. This appeal comes as the Philippines is preparing to conclude its chairship of the regional bloc.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the concluding ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Pasay City under the Philippine chairship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the necessity for regional cooperation to extend beyond meetings and agreements. Lazaro stressed the importance of translating dialogue into coordinated actions and tangible benefits for the people of the region.
Lazaro highlighted the Philippines' initiatives under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar, focusing on maintaining peace and security through dialogue, strengthening regional security, and building resilience against emerging threats. Key efforts included advancing maritime security, improving regional disaster preparedness, enhancing climate security, and fortifying ASEAN's engagement with external partners.
The Philippines' chairship encountered significant challenges, such as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, natural disasters affecting member states, and uncertainties testing multilateralism. Despite these hurdles, the Philippines remained dedicated to advancing the bloc's shared goals.
Lazaro expressed gratitude to ASEAN member states for their cooperation during the Philippine chairship, acknowledging the progress made as a shared achievement and the unfinished work as a collective responsibility.