According to a press release from ASEAN Philippines 2026 accessed in Jakarta on Thursday, ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the document emphasizes the region's commitment to advancing maritime cooperation through concrete initiatives.
He explained that one of the concrete initiatives is the inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as an ASEAN Sectoral Body and the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Center in the Philippines.
In addition, Imperial stated that the Philippines also supports two other documents for consideration by ASEAN leaders at the 48th ASEAN Summit.
The second document is the Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of ASEAN, which would mark the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its signing in 2007.
According to Imperial, the document reflects the continued institutional strengthening of ASEAN, particularly in supporting the full integration of Timor-Leste into the regional bloc.
The third document is the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which resulted from two special meetings of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in March and April.
Imperial stated that the statement outlines ASEAN's collective response to the crisis while laying the foundation for stronger coordination in future emergencies.
The spokesperson affirmed that the Philippines will continue to promote key priorities during the 48th ASEAN Summit, including energy and food security, the safety of ASEAN citizens, preparations for the 50th anniversary of the TAC, the integration of Timor-Leste, and the development of Myanmar.
“The Philippines underscores the importance of bolstering the region’s strategic autonomy guided by ASEAN Centrality, enhancing our coordination as a community of nations, and reaffirming our resolve to the long-standing principles of international law,” Imperial said.
The Philippines will host the 2026 ASEAN Summit and related meetings under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together."
Ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday (May 8), a series of ministerial-level meetings were held on Thursday (May 7), including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC).
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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