Philippine Foreign Affairs Minister Highlights ASEAN Unity and Strategic Partnerships

The Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasizes ASEAN unity and strategic partnerships

The Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Theresa Lazaro, highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity and strategic partnerships in addressing global uncertainties during a political dialogue in Jakarta on April 23.

Speaking at the event organized by the Indonesian Foreign Policy Community (FPCI) and Atma Jaya Catholic University in Indonesia, Ms. Lazaro noted that the world is facing unseen volatility, particularly the impacts of tensions in the Middle East on regional energy security and supply chains.

In this context, she emphasized that the solidarity and central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are a reliable anchor for overcoming challenges. As the ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has chosen the theme “Navigating Together Towards Our Future”, focusing on three key priorities: peace and security; corridors of prosperity and empowerment of populations – these are ASEAN’s priorities.

According to Maria Theresa Lazaro, these issues will be discussed further at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in early May. The focus will be on energy and food security, as well as the security of ASEAN citizens. She also highlighted the importance of the Southeast Asia Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on its 50th anniversary, calling it a code of conduct contributing to peace and stability in the region.

Regarding relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, Maria Theresa Lazaro stated that the Philippines view Indonesia as one of their most reliable partners.

Earlier in the day, the two countries held a meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) to review and advance 93 agreements covering defense, security, economy, agriculture, and halal industry. She also praised the 2014 agreement on maritime boundaries between the two countries, presenting it as a regional model for peacefully resolving complex disputes, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. – VNA/CVN