ASEAN foreign ministers open Manila meeting amid regional security challenges

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have opened their annual meeting in Manila with a call for unity and collective action as the region faces mounting geopolitical uncertainty and security challenges. Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro urged member states to respond with "active, deliberate problem solving" to a world marked by "upheaval, uncertainty and unpredictability."

Navigating Future Together

Invoking the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," Lazaro said: "We do not just drift with the tide; we steer the ship as we chart the course." She described the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as ASEAN's "most reliable anchor," stressing that mutual respect for sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain the foundation of regional stability.

Agenda and Dialogue Sessions

The ministers will review progress across political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars before forwarding recommendations to leaders at the November ASEAN Summit. Regional security issues will dominate the week, including efforts to revive the Myanmar peace initiative, negotiations with China on a South China Sea code of conduct, and the economic fallout from global conflicts. The meeting will also include sessions with major powers including the US, China, Russia, Japan, India and the EU.