Southeast Asian Foreign Ministers Affirm ASEAN's Resilience in Facing Global Dynamics

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Southeast Asian foreign ministers have reaffirmed ASEAN’s role as a united, resilient, and forward-looking community amid global uncertainties, particularly in facing the Middle East conflict and its impacts. “Amid these pressing developments, ASEAN remains undeterred from its broad and long-term priorities,” said Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa P. Lazaro while opening the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday. According to a written statement from ASEAN 2026 monitored by ANTARA in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Lazaro called on ASEAN foreign ministers to commit to the agreements reached and maintain momentum on the shared regional agenda. On the same occasion, the foreign ministers discussed the latest progress on the long-term development agenda for the ASEAN Community as well as shared regional issues. Furthermore, the foreign ministers discussed preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which falls in July 2026. The meeting also addressed efforts to strengthen Timor Leste’s integration into ASEAN following its official status as a full member of the regional organisation. This AMM emphasised the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s ambitions, capacities, and commitments in realising the long-term plan of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. As the leader of ASEAN 2026, the Philippines will promote discussions on energy resilience amid the global oil supply crisis due to the Middle East conflict at that summit. Prior to the ASEAN Summit, a series of ministerial-level meetings were held first on Thursday, including the AMM and the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC).