MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stated on Saturday, November 14, that the Philippines successfully steered the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through major global and regional hurdles during its 2026 chairship, including Middle East crises, natural disasters, and shifts in multilateralism.
Speaking at the final ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila, Lazaro reflected on the challenges encountered while leading the bloc ahead of the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit.
“As with any ship sailing through unpredictable waters, the year brought unprecedented headwinds, particularly the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, the natural calamities that besieged our nations, and uncertainties that tested the norms of multilateralism,” she said.
“As ASEAN chair, we had to wade through tumultuous waves, weather turbulent winds, and ultimately steer through shifting currents,” she added.
“Despite this, we remained steadfast, pivoting our course as the rough tides demanded, relentless in our pursuit of advancing ASEAN’s shared agenda,” she continued.
Despite these obstacles, Lazaro highlighted key milestones achieved during the Philippine chairship, notably the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the adoption of its engagement guidelines.
ASEAN expanded its global partnerships by welcoming Qatar and Germany as sectoral dialogue partners, Türkiye as its 12th dialogue partner, and the United Kingdom as the 28th participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Other achievements included the adoption of the ARF Manila Plan of Action for 2026 to 2036 and the conclusion of negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
“The DEFA, or the Digitalization Framework, allow us to scale up our regional digital economy,” Lazaro noted regarding the agreement designed to boost cross-border e-commerce and digital payments.
As the country prepares to hand over the ASEAN chairship, Lazaro expressed gratitude to member states for their cooperation.
“The progress we have made is a collective achievement, and the work that remains is a collective undertaking,” she said.
“The Philippines is grateful to the trust, enduring cooperation, and partnership of all ASEAN member states throughout our chairship,” she concluded.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to take place in Manila from November 15 to 17.