Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to sustain collective efforts to promote regional peace and security beyond 2026, [pna.gov.ph] reported on Saturday.
“The true measure lies in our ability to translate dialogue into coordinated action, address shared concerns, and deliver tangible benefits to our peoples,” Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said at the concluding ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Pasay City.
The Philippines wrapped up its chairship of the regional bloc during the ministerial gathering.
“Our experience this year has reaffirmed that regional cooperation cannot be measured solely by the meetings we convene or the documents that we adopt,” Lazaro said, according to [pna.gov.ph].
Global Crises Test Regional Chairship
The Philippine chairship faced turbulent conditions this year, including conflicts in the Middle East and natural disasters that strained member states, [ABS-CBN] reported.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro described the year’s challenges as unprecedented headwinds that tested multilateral norms across Southeast Asia.
“The year brought unprecedented headwinds, particularly the crisis in the Middle East, the natural calamities that besiege our nations, and uncertainties that tested the norms of multilateralism,” Lazaro told [ABS-CBN].
An oil crisis sent prices soaring across Southeast Asia, prompting discussions among officials regarding regional oil reserves, [ABS-CBN] reported.
Philippines Advances Maritime and Climate Security Through ASEAN Pillar
The Philippines advanced maritime security, disaster preparedness, and climate security through the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar, [pna.gov.ph] reported.
Discussions at the ministerial meeting preceded the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to run from Nov. 15 to 17, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted a long-awaited Code of Conduct in the South China Sea finalized during the Philippine chairship, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
Negotiations between ASEAN and China on the maritime code continue as territorial tensions persist, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
The regional bloc operates with 11 member states following Timor-Leste’s admission in October 2025, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
Myanmar remains a member of the bloc, but its military leaders have been barred from high-level meetings since the 2021 coup, allowing only nonpolitical representatives to attend, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ASEAN Summit
When did Timor-Leste join ASEAN?
Timor-Leste joined the regional bloc in October 2025, bringing the total number of member states to 11, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
Who is barred from high-level ASEAN meetings?
Myanmar military leaders have been barred from high-level ASEAN summits since the 2021 coup, with only nonpolitical representatives permitted to attend, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
When is the 49th ASEAN Summit scheduled?
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to take place from Nov. 15 to 17, [globalnation.inquirer.net] reported.
Lazaro Emphasizes Constant Responsibility to ASEAN During Chairship Transitions
“A chairship may pass from one member state to another, but our collective resolve and fundamental responsibility to ASEAN must remain constant,” Lazaro said, [pna.gov.ph] reported.
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