Philippines Highlights Key Initiatives on ASEAN Community-Building at ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Vientiane, Laos

Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (2nd from left) and Foreign Ministers at the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR (Photo credit: ASEAN-Lao PDR)

VIENTIANE 11 October 2024 – Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro represented Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), 28th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting, and the 35th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meetings which were held on 08 October 2024 at the National Convention Center.

At the AMM, Undersecretary Lazaro reiterated Philippine support for ASEAN Community-building and commitment in maintaining an ASEAN-centered, open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture. She welcomed key deliverables of ASEAN during Lao PDR’s Chairship on enhancing connectivity, sustainable agriculture, strengthening supply chain linkages, trade facilitation, digital economy, MSME development and inclusive finance. She also shared key accomplishments by the Philippines as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India relations for 2024-2027 particularly on advancing digital transformation, trade promotion, and tourism, among others.

At the APSC, Undersecretary Lazaro highlighted Philippine initiatives and projects particularly on maritime security including defense and maritime law enforcement cooperation, strengthening the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum, and regional cooperation and capacity building on ferry safety and port security, among others. In her intervention at the ACC, Undersecretary Lazaro acknowledged progress of the three ASEAN Community Pillars and encouraged to advance efforts in implementing the ASEAN Community Blueprints.

The Ministerial Meetings were convened in preparation for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos. END

Undersecretary Lazaro leading the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Vientiane, Laos.