Asean chair faces formidable challengesListen to this articlePhilippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro speaks at a press conference during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting Retreat in Cebu on Jan 29. AFPThe Philippines' Asean chairmanship will be one of the most exciting periods for the bloc. This year's official theme of the Philippines' Asean chairmanship is aptly chosen: "Navigating the Future, Together". The United Kingdom remains the bloc's most recent dialogue partner, admitted through a fast-track process in 2021 following Brexit. Under the Philippine chairmanship, Asean will develop new guidelines on modalities for High Council Parties (HCPs) to engage with the bloc.

Source: Bangkok Post February 03, 2026 00:42 UTC