Pasay City:The Philippines, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, is preparing to adopt several outcome documents by the conclusion of the ASEAN Leaders' Summit. These documents are expected to address energy and food security, as well as transboundary haze, According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

According to Philippines News Agency, foreign affairs ministers will convene on November 14 for the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings, which will be followed by the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from November 15 to 17. Foreign ministers are expected to propose measures to tackle transboundary haze, which will then be elevated to the leaders' level for further discussion.

In September, forest fires in Indonesia resulted in severe haze affecting several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, leading to poor air quality and the suspension of classes. Dax Imperial, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs, emphasized the commitment among ASEAN members to address the haze issue, although specific measures will depend on upcoming discussions.

The ASEAN Summit will also focus on transnational crime and online scams, with leaders expected to propose new measures to protect migrant workers. Additionally, discussions will include accelerating the ratification of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), which facilitates coordinated emergency fuel sharing in the region. The Philippines was the first to ratify this agreement, and there is encouragement for other ASEAN countries to expedite their ratification processes.

At least 19 world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, will attend the high-level meetings. ASEAN consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.