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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ASEAN chief thanks PH for accepting 2026 chairship

ASEAN chief thanks PH for accepting 2026 chairship

Published Sep 20, 2023 06:56 am

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn thanked the Philippines for accepting the chairship of the regional bloc in 2026, or a year earlier than scheduled, which ensures the stability of the organization in the years ahead.

ASEAN_Kao Kim.jpg(From left) DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn (DFA photo)

The ASEAN chief expressed his gratitude during his courtesy call on Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs (ASFA) and Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN (UBRAA) Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

“The Secretary-General emphasized that by accepting the Chairship role (a year before its actual Chairship in 2027 by regular rotation), the Philippines has contributed to the stability of the regional organization,” a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

This came after President Marcos accepted a request to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, instead of 2027, during his trip to Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month.

Myanmar was supposed to host the Summit in 2026, but reports said ASEAN leaders did not allow the junta-ruled country to chair the organization for its regular rotation.

The country, which has skipped hosting the regional bloc’s summits in the past, did not send its leaders for the Jakarta summit. Leaders there also discussed Myanmar’s non-compliance with ASEAN’s five-point consensus.

During Kao’s courtesy call, Lazaro highlighted the Philippines’ support for various initiatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, “including the proposal to enhance its role in cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination in ASEAN.”

The two officials also discussed ways to advance the ASEAN community-building process, including the implementation of the leaders' decisions following the conclusion of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta.

Aside from Lazaro and Kao, also present in the meeting were Philippine Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Hjayceelyn Quintana, DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito Nayan, DFA-UBRAA Special Assistant Nicole de Castro, ASEAN Secretariat Executive Support Division Director Dara Lux, and ASEAN Secretariat Senior Officer Ibrahim Almutaqqi.

Kao also held a dialogue with the Philippine business sector and delivered a keynote address at the 21st International CEO Conference organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), where he underscored that “the future of integration in ASEAN should be characterized by strong partnerships, development driven by innovation, as well as an inclusive approach that gives priority to the people.”

ASEAN_Kao Kim2.jpgASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn delivers his keynote speech at the 21st International CEO Conference organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). (Photo courtesy of DFA)

Showing interest in the country’s social welfare and trade programs, the ASEAN chief met with Social Welfare Secretary and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Minister for the Philippines Rex Gatchalian and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Kao and his delegation were in the Philippines from Sept. 10 to 12.

Related Tags

ASEAN Summit myanmar Department of Foreign Affairs Kao Kim Hourn Ma. Theresa Lazaro President Marcos
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