The Philippines opened the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings on Monday, welcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers to advance the nation’s Chairship priorities, strengthen regional unity, and enhance international collaboration.
Chaired by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, the week-long series of high-level engagements focuses on delivering progress across ASEAN’s Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Community Pillars.
“These meetings will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding the Chairship goals.
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Human Rights & Regional Security (Monday, July 20): Proceedings began with the 16th Interface Meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to address regional human rights developments. Additionally, the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission met to review the 2023–2027 Plan of Action and evaluate the accession of Nuclear Weapon States to the treaty protocol.
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59th AMM Plenary & Major Deliverables (Tuesday, July 21): The 59th AMM formally convenes to assess community progress and external relations. Ministers are expected to adopt two key outcome documents:
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The 59th AMM Joint Communiqué: Outlining shared positions and decisions.
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Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC): A Philippine Chairship deliverable creating a structured framework for non-dialogue partner TAC signatories.
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External Partner Dialogues (July 22–23): Ministers will lead Post-Ministerial Conferences with key international partners, including the US, China, Japan, the UK, the EU, India, Canada, Russia, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The Philippines will also host the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT), the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
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50th TAC Anniversary Commemoration (Friday, July 24): The week concludes with a historic event marking 50 years of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Features include a signing ceremony for new acceding countries, the inaugural High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties, and an official gala dinner hosted by President Marcos Jr.
“As we move into the second half of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, we remain committed to sustaining the momentum and delivering meaningful outcomes for ASEAN,” stated ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial during a briefing at the International Media Center. “The meetings reflect the steady progress made thus far and provide another opportunity to advance our shared priorities for peace, stability, and regional prosperity.”
