ASEAN chief thanks Philippines for accepting 2026 chairmanship

MANILA, Philippines — Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for accepting the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, a yearbefore actual duty in 2027 by regular rotation.

During his courtesy call on Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acting Secretary and Undersecretary for bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs (UBRAA) Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Kao emphasized that the Philippines has contributed to the stability of the regional organization by accepting the role of chair.

Lazaro highlighted the Philippines’ support for various initiatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, including the proposal to enhance its role in cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination in the region.

She also conveyed her appreciation to the secretary-general for his first official visit to the Philippines to celebrate the 18th founding anniversary of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.

The ACB is the only ASEAN Center of Excellence hosted by the Philippines.

Lazaro and Kao discussed ways to advance the ASEAN community-building process, including the implementation of the leaders’ decisions following the conclusion of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Also present during the courtesy call were Philippine Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Hjayceelyn Quintana, DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito Nayan, DFA-UBRAA special assistant Nicole de Castro, ASEAN Secretariat Executive Support Division director Dara Lux and ASEAN Secretariat senior officer Ibrahim Almutaqqi.

The meeting was followed by a luncheon attended by the ambassadors of ASEAN member-states in Manila.

Kao and his delegation conducted a working visit in the Philippines from Sept. 9 to 12. He commenced his activities in the country by participating in a tree-planting activity last Sept. 9 in celebration of the ACB’s 18th anniversary in Los Baños, Laguna.

The secretary-general also attended a meeting with the Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual to tackle important topics raised during the ASEAN Economic Council last Sept. 3.