Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro has called on Southeast Asian nations to strengthen cooperation and present a united front in addressing growing regional security and economic challenges, urging members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reinforce the bloc’s central role in maintaining peace and stability.
Lazaro made the remarks during an ASEAN meeting, stressing that the 10 member regional bloc must work collectively to respond to increasingly complex geopolitical tensions, maritime disputes, economic uncertainty and transnational security threats.
She said ASEAN’s unity and consensus based approach remain essential to preserving regional stability, adding that member states should continue promoting dialogue and cooperation despite differences on key issues. Lazaro also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN’s principles and its role in advancing regional prosperity.
The comments come as ASEAN faces mounting challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, strategic competition between major powers and concerns over regional economic resilience. Analysts say these issues have tested the bloc’s ability to reach consensus while maintaining its long standing policy of non interference.
ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur have been discussing ways to deepen economic integration, strengthen maritime security cooperation and enhance disaster preparedness, while also seeking a common position on regional and global developments.
Diplomats said maintaining ASEAN unity will be critical as the bloc navigates increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo Pacific and works to preserve its relevance as the region’s primary multilateral forum.
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