The Philippines called on Southeast Asian nations to remain united and adaptable as they confront growing global uncertainties and regional challenges.
Speaking during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu City, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the importance of balancing immediate crisis response with long-term regional goals under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The meeting forms part of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
According to Lazaro, the region must be prepared to respond quickly to emerging issues while continuing efforts toward deeper regional cooperation and integration.
“Navigating uncertainty requires both agility in responding to immediate and pressing challenges and steadfast commitment in pursuing our long-term goals,” she said in her opening remarks.
Lazaro pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as one of the major global developments affecting ASEAN member-states. She noted that disruptions in energy supply, trade routes, and food chains have already affected economies across the region and placed ASEAN nationals working in the Middle East at risk.
She said ASEAN countries, which import around 66 percent of their crude oil, have experienced rising fuel and energy costs due to the crisis, leading to higher prices of food, agricultural inputs, and other basic commodities.
The conflict has also affected sectors such as transportation and tourism, according to the foreign affairs chief.
Lazaro said ASEAN foreign ministers had already held two special meetings to discuss a coordinated regional response, highlighting the bloc’s commitment to acting collectively during times of crisis.
She added that recent developments underscored the need to further strengthen ASEAN’s crisis management mechanisms and institutional preparedness.
Despite ongoing global challenges, Lazaro said ASEAN remains committed to advancing regional priorities, including strengthening community-building efforts, supporting Timor-Leste’s integration into the bloc, and maintaining ASEAN Centrality in its relations with international partners.
As the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Lazaro also said she would brief fellow ministers on the latest developments in Myanmar and ongoing efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus aimed at addressing the political crisis in the country.