Philippines to Uphold Momentum from Malaysia’s ASEAN Leadership - Senior Official

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Philippines has expressed commitment to continue building on Malaysia’s ongoing momentum in addressing various issues when it assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2026.

Philippines’ Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said Manila views its upcoming chairmanship as a significant milestone, aligning closely with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s diplomatic agenda.

“There are a lot of challenges ahead, but we are taking such an important role as we are chairing the ASEAN, the (Philippines’) chairmanship will be next year.

“It is very important in the agenda of President Marcos Jr that we also build on what Malaysia is doing in this chairmanship, and we congratulate you (Malaysia) for what you’ve been doing,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) meeting on Saturday.

In Marcos’ recent Cabinet reshuffle, Lazaro was named Secretary of Foreign Affairs effective July 31, but she would still need to go through confirmation proceedings in Congress.

She will replace Enrique Manalo, who will be the country’s next permanent representative to the United Nations (UN).

The SOM, which commenced at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday, is a key preparatory phase ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, scheduled from May 26 to 27.

SOM Leaders, Timor-Leste’s SOM representatives and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat attend the meeting.

The 46th ASEAN Summit will gather leaders from the bloc’s member states to discuss regional issues, foster economic cooperation and advance the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.

Kuala Lumpur will also concurrently host the second ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.

-- BERNAMA