Pasay city: The Philippines, serving as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, convened a Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and called for collective action to sustain the momentum ASEAN has gained in recent months. The meeting, led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, was held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the officials gathered under the Philippines' chairship vision to "lead, sail, and rise as one region," discussing key agenda items. These included applications for accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and preparations for the commemorative activity marking the treaty's 50th anniversary in July.

The officials also exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation under the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, reaffirming the region's commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament. Discussions likewise addressed the importance of sustaining robust engagement with ASEAN's external partners to better equip the region in managing shared risks and emerging challenges.

In his opening remarks, Herrera-Lim noted that the bloc has so far "charted a steady course, generating momentum across all three pillars and through key ASEAN-led mechanisms." He encouraged the officials to capitalize on the momentum that has been generated in their engagements, emphasizing the significance of navigating uncertainty together.

The meeting marked the fourth convening of ASEAN senior officials under the Philippines' chairship. It was conducted to consolidate gains made following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu and to advance preparations for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July 2026. This gathering comes amid regional tensions and the conflict in the Middle East following the war involving Iran that broke out in February.