Cebu, January 29 (AseanAll)  — Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro chaired the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held on 29 January 2026 in Cebu City, Philippines, marking the first major meeting under the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN.

During the Retreat, the Ministers discussed ASEAN’s priorities and exchanged views on key regional and global developments affecting the region, including the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the progress in advancing the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, the border situation in Thailand and Cambodia, and the situation in the South China Sea, among others. They called for respect for multilateral norms and adherence to international law and key principles enshrined in the TAC and the ASEAN Charter to promote peace and stability for the peoples of ASEAN.

The Retreat also followed up on the outcomes of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits and discussed priorities and key deliverables of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Among the priorities highlighted include a commemorative event for the 50th Anniversary of the TAC underscoring the continued relevance of the treaty among High Contracting Parties, initiatives on artificial intelligence across the three community pillars, endeavoring to conclude the COC within the 2026 timeline, initiatives on maritime cooperation, and cooperation in youth innovation and silver economy. 

Secretary Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ readiness to work closely with all ASEAN Member States and all partners to ensure that its Chairship year delivers meaningful and practical benefits for the ASEAN community.