Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formally opened the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on Thursday, calling for urgent regional unity as security challenges grow increasingly “complex and interconnected.”
In her opening remarks, Lazaro highlighted a shifting geopolitical landscape, citing rising maritime tensions, internal conflicts, and unresolved humanitarian issues as primary threats to the 10-member bloc. She emphasized that the stability of the region is being tested by forces both within and outside its borders.
“The global geopolitical security environment has not only become more challenging, but has also become more complex,” Lazaro said.
“Across our region, we continue to see tensions at sea, protracted internal conflicts, and unresolved border and humanitarian concerns.”
Lazaro warned that unilateral actions from external powers are further destabilizing Southeast Asia and threatening the rules-based international order. She stressed that the current climate of global instability makes ASEAN’s core principles—restraint, peaceful dialogue, and strict adherence to international law—more vital than ever for maintaining peace.
The retreat, held annually at the start of the year, serves as a high-level strategy session where foreign ministers set the bloc’s agenda and priorities. While no formal outcome document is expected from this gathering, the discussions will form the blueprint for the upcoming ASEAN Summits scheduled for later this year.
Beyond regional maritime disputes, the ministers are expected to exchange views on broader global issues that impact Southeast Asian economic and territorial security.
Attendance remained nearly at full capacity, with all member-state foreign ministers present except for Myanmar. In line with ASEAN’s ongoing policy regarding the crisis-hit nation, Myanmar was represented only by a non-political senior official holding the rank of Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
