Manila, July 24 (AseanAll) — Conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy, maritime security and cooperation, and addressing emerging threats and challenges were the focus of the first-ever High-Level Conference of High-Contracting Parties since the 1976 signing of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
The Philippines hosted the conference as part of 50th anniversary of TAC and its chairship of ASEAN 2026.
In her keynote speech at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on July 24, 2026, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed the ascension of Sweden, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania as high-contracting parties into ASEAN’s growing global community.
The lead foreign minister said that the progress achieved by ASEAN in the last five decades is attributed to TAC.
“Over the past five decades, peace transformed Southeast Asia from a region of turmoil into a global economic powerhouse, a vibrant market, and an engine of innovation. Our journey proved one fundamental truth. Economic prosperity does not happen by accident. It is made possible only under the indispensable conditions of peace,” Secretary Lazaro said.
She said that the TAC became the guiding code of conduct of ASEAN in reaching and maintaining stability in the region, and extending in other regions.
“Today, that invitation is upheld by 62 high contracting parties representing nearly three quarters of humanity. When our leaders took the leap of faith, they recognized a truth that presses upon us today. No nation can prosper in isolation and true security can never be built behind closed doors,” Secretary Lazaro said.
She added that the spirit of “kapwa” or neighbor, while Filipino in origin, is not unique to the country but a universal concept of peace that reaches every region of the world.
Said Secretary Lazaro: “We find this exact same core belief that human dignity is indivisible and a true peace rests on our ability to see ourselves to the other. This result teaches us one lesson. Neighborhood is not defined by geographic distance. It is defined by shared values and common aspirations. When you view one another through the lens of “kapwa,” physical distance evaporates. We become true neighbors in a shared world. “
Earlier, ASEAN adopted the Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a priority framework of the Philippine Chairship in engaging non-ASEAN countries taking interest in the region.
These guidelines establish a framework enabling high-contracting parties to engage more deeply with ASEAN, particularly those without formal partnership arrangements.
According to Secretary Lazaro, the engagement of external partners in achieving peace requires “continuous labor, deliberate restraint, inclusive dialogue, and an unyielding adherence to the rule of law.”
“It is precisely in times of global fracture that ASEAN’s unique convening power becomes essential. Today, that convening power is on full display here in Manila. ASEAN remains an open, inclusive, and safe space, a trusted platform where nations, regardless of size or strategic alignment, can gather, speak candidly, cultivate trust, and actively choose peace,” she added.
