Ankara: Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formally opened their annual meeting in Manila on Tuesday with a call for unity and collective action as the region faces mounting geopolitical uncertainty, maritime tensions, and persistent conflicts.

According to Anadolu Agency, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro opened the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting by emphasizing the need for 'active, deliberate problem solving' in response to a world marked by 'upheaval, uncertainty and unpredictability.' Lazaro urged member states to pursue 'creative solutions and viable pathways, even in the most difficult situations and during the most complex discussions.'

In line with the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship theme, Navigating Our Future, Together, Lazaro stated, 'We do not just drift with the tide; we steer the ship as we chart the course.' She highlighted the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which marks its 50th anniversary this year, as ASEAN's 'most reliable anchor,' underscoring its principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution as the foundation of regional stability.

Lazaro further noted, 'In a fractured global landscape, no single nation can weather these storms alone. Our strength and resilience lie in our community. If we do not move forward as one, we risk being pulled apart.'

The ministers are set to review progress across ASEAN's political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars and will forward their recommendations to leaders at the ASEAN Summit in November. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening ASEAN centrality, advancing regional integration under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and enhancing cooperation with external partners.

Regional security issues are anticipated to dominate the meetings, including efforts to revive ASEAN's stalled peace initiative in Myanmar, negotiations with China on a long-delayed South China Sea code of conduct, and addressing the economic fallout from conflicts beyond the region, which have affected global energy and trade routes.

The Manila meetings, continuing through July 24, will also feature gatherings with ASEAN's dialogue partners, the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. These gatherings will bring together major powers, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, and the European Union, to discuss regional and global security challenges.