Lazaro meets with Thai counterpart as PH assumes ASEAN chairship
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with her Thai counterpart in one of the first meetings with an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member since the Philippines assumed the 2026 chairship of the regional bloc.
Lazaro sat down with Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Jan. 5 and discussed the country’s priorities for ASEAN in 2026, such as the regional bloc leaders’ statement on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The aim was to explore AI’s use in various sectors in advancing the silver economy, and expanding maritime cooperation, among others.
According to the DFA, Lazaro also stressed the importance of a united ASEAN in promoting regional peace, security and prosperity.
They also engaged in candid discussions on several critical regional and international issues such as the situation in Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, and other geopolitical developments, it added.