Philippines To Build On Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Legacy
By Zufazlin Baharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- The Philippines has expressed its commitment to build on Malaysia’s current ASEAN chairmanship as it prepares to lead the regional bloc in 2026 especially in strengthening regional economic cooperation and ensuring a united stance on global issues.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce said the country recognises the importance of working closely with Malaysia to build on its initiatives, ensuring continuity as it prepares for its own ASEAN chairmanship.
“Malaysia’s chairmanship is very strong, and it is important to work closely with it to carry forward the initiatives it has put in place so that we are able to advance as we prepare for our own chairmanship,” she told Bernama during the 127th Anniversary of the Philippines’ Independence recently.
Ponce said it is currently developing a theme and directions for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship which will guide the focus of meetings and initiatives during its leadership next year.
“We are not working in a vacuum. What we want to do is build on the accomplishments and initiatives that Malaysia has undertaken during its chairmanship.
“If you start without that context and continuity, it is difficult to achieve much within just one year,” she said.
Malaysia which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, has focused on commitment for peace, security, stability and prosperity within an inclusive and sustainable framework.
The Philippines aims to align its preparations with these ongoing efforts to ensure momentum is maintained, she said.
On another note, Ponce said the Philippines is looking forward to actively participating in the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference to be held in July.
“We are looking forward to contributing actively to the discussions scheduled for the first two weeks of July as these meetings are very important because they involve not only ASEAN member states but also its dialogue partners,” she said.
Ponce added that the Philippines’ active participation in the upcoming meetings is guided by the broader regional vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr who has consistently called for a united ASEAN that works for peace and security in the region.
-- BERNAMA