Malaysia has expressed full support for the Philippines as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, confident that Manila will lead the bloc effectively and build on the successes of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Philippines, guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” has identified 88 achievements across ASEAN’s three pillars – political-security, economy, and socio-cultural. He expressed hope that ASEAN would now begin implementing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and translate member states’ aspirations into sustainable and inclusive initiatives for regional development.
Mohamad, attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat chaired by Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, congratulated Manila on its chairmanship, noting that full support from member states would reinforce ASEAN centrality as a long-term tradition.
He said Malaysia would continue efforts to promote sustainable development, inclusivity, and regional cooperation through ASEAN digitalisation, enhanced intra-ASEAN trade, and increased support for small and medium enterprises. “There is a strong sense of continuity between Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship and the Philippines’ 2026 term through shared priorities and successes,” he added.
The AMM Retreat also reviewed priorities following the 47th ASEAN Summit and outcomes of the Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on Cambodia and Thailand.
Ministers discussed ASEAN’s external relations and regional and international developments, including concerns over Myanmar after recent elections and the situation in Gaza, condemning ongoing Israeli military actions against civilians.
Mohamad also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore, discussing issues including the South China Sea, Myanmar, Thailand-Cambodia border disputes, and trade and cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners to strengthen regional ties.
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