Manila: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Thursday formally opened the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Retreat under the Philippines' chairship. In her opening remarks, Lazaro highlighted the region's pressing realities, particularly security challenges that she said have rapidly "evolved and diversified."

According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro emphasized the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of the global geopolitical security environment. She noted that the region is witnessing tensions at sea, prolonged internal conflicts, and unresolved border and humanitarian issues. Lazaro pointed out that developments and unilateral actions outside Southeast Asia also impact regional stability and undermine multilateral institutions and the rules-based international order.

Lazaro stressed the importance of ASEAN's principles of restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international law to maintain peace and stability. The retreat, a regular event at the start of the ASEAN calendar, allows foreign ministers to assess priorities and discuss regional and global developments. While no outcome document is expected, the discussions will guide the bloc's agenda ahead of the May and November ASEAN Summits.

The retreat not only addresses issues within Southeast Asia but also offers a platform for ASEAN foreign ministers to share views on global matters affecting the region. All ASEAN member states' foreign ministers attended the retreat, except for Myanmar, which was represented by a senior official with the rank of Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs.