ASEAN revises charter for the first time in nearly 20 years

Cebu (ANTARA) - Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states adopted the Cebu Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Charter on Friday, marking the first revision to the association’s charter since it was signed in 2007.

In a press conference following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described the development as an important milestone for ASEAN reform and the full integration of Timor Leste into the regional bloc.

“Another important achievement is the adoption of the Cebu Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Charter. This marks the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its signing in 2007,” Marcos said.

Marcos stated that the protocol reflects ASEAN’s ongoing development as a stronger and more inclusive regional community.

Earlier, ASEAN officials indicated that the amendments support the full integration of Timor Leste into ASEAN after the country officially becomes the 11th member in October 2025.

The long-term roadmap aims to position ASEAN as a “growth centre” in the Indo-Pacific region over the next two decades.

The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, brought together Southeast Asian leaders amid growing concerns over economic resilience, geopolitical stability, energy security, and institutional cooperation.

Source: PNA