ASEAN Secretary-General Thanks the Philippines for Accepting 2026 ASEAN Chairship
The Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and the ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Kao Kim Hourn during the courtesy call. (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)
MANILA 19 September 2023 – ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn expressed his gratitude for the Philippines for accepting the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 during his courtesy call on the Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs (ASFA) and Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN (UBRAA) Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. The Secretary-General emphasized that by accepting the Chairship role (i.e., a year before its actual Chairship in 2027 by regular rotation), the Philippines has contributed to the stability of the regional organization.
ASFA 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 ASEAN. The Acting Secretary 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 Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). ACB is the only ASEAN Centre of Excellence hosted by the Philippines.
They also 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 the previous week.
Also present during the call were Philippine Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito A. 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 the ASEAN Member States in Manila.
The ASEAN Secretary-General and his delegation conducted a working visit in the Philippines from 10 to 12 September 2023. Secretary-General Hourn commenced his activities in the country by participating in a tree planting activity held on 09 September in celebration of ACB’s 18th anniversary in Los Baños, Laguna.
The Secretary-General also paid a courtesy call on the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Minister for the Philippines Rex T. Gatchalian to discuss ASCC priorities post-2025 and key points from the recently concluded 30th ASCC Council Meeting last 29 August. The Secretary-General also attended a meeting with the Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines Alfredo E. Pascual, to tackle important topics raised during the ASEAN Economic Council (AEC) 3 September.
The Secretary-General concluded his engagements in the country by a dialogue with the Philippine business sector. The Secretary-General also delivered a keynote speech at the 21st International CEO Conference organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) highlighting that “the future of integration in ASEAN should be characterized by strong partnerships, development driven by innovation, as well as an inclusive approach that gives priority to the people.” END
The Philippine Permanent Representative in ASEAN Hjayceelyn M. Quintana and the ambassadors of ASEAN Member States in Manila join the Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the ASEAN Secretary-General for a luncheon. (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)
The Secretary-General participates in a tree planting event in celebration of ACB’s 18th anniversary in Los Baños, Laguna.
The Secretary-General pays a courtesy call with the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Minister for the Philippines, Hon. Rex T. Gatchalian.
The Secretary-General meets with the Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, Hon. Alfredo E. Pascual.
The Secretary-General delivers his keynote speech at the 21st International CEO Conference organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).