Cebu: The Philippines emphasized the need for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt an agile approach in addressing the internal and external challenges facing the region. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro highlighted this necessity as she convened with foreign ministers and senior officials representing the regional bloc's 11 member states during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro underscored the importance of agility in navigating uncertainties and addressing immediate challenges while maintaining a steadfast commitment to long-term goals under the ASEAN Community 2045 framework. The AMM will focus on ASEAN's response to the Middle East crisis and other priorities under the Philippine chairship, including political, economic, and people empowerment issues.

Lazaro noted the economic implications of the Middle East situation for a region that imports over half of its crude oil, leading to increased fuel and energy costs and higher prices for agricultural inputs, food, and basic commodities in Southeast Asia. Beyond the crisis, discussions will cover Timor Leste's post-admission integration, ASEAN's engagement with external partners, and the commemoration of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation's 50th anniversary.

As the special envoy of the ASEAN chair on Myanmar, Lazaro will provide a briefing on Myanmar's situation and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. All foreign ministers are present at the AMM, except for Myanmar, which is represented by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Permanent Secretary U Hau Khan Sum. This gathering is part of a series of meetings at the ministerial level leading to the 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit on Friday.