Bangkok: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has presented the Philippines' priorities and vision of a more secure region as it assumes chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a bilateral meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The two top diplomats met and reinforced the long-standing Thai-Philippine bilateral ties during Lazaro's working visit to Bangkok on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated on Wednesday that Lazaro outlined Manila's priorities for ASEAN in 2026, such as harnessing artificial intelligence in various sectors, advancing the silver economy, and expanding maritime cooperation. She emphasized the importance of a united ASEAN in promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity.

The discussions included a candid exchange on the situation in Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, and other geopolitical developments. The two officials also explored advancing bilateral ties in areas including trade and investment. Lazaro expressed her appreciation in a social media post: "We reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening the warm ties of friendship between our two countries, as well as promoting regional peace."

Lazaro conveyed gratitude for Thailand's support for the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, expressing her eagerness to work with Thailand and other ASEAN Member States to advance ASEAN's 2026 priorities. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further advance Philippines-Thailand bilateral relations.

The Thai Foreign Minister is among the Southeast Asian top diplomats expected to attend the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Cebu this month. Following her Thailand trip, Lazaro met with Myanmar leaders in Nay Pyi Taw as the ASEAN chair's special envoy on Myanmar.