By Anadolu staff
ISTANBUL (AA) - Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity, multilateralism and diplomacy following a two-day-long meeting in Cebu, Philippines.
Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the meeting marked the first major political-security meeting under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, as Manila takes over the bloc’s chairmanship this year.
According to Lazaro, ministers held candid and in-depth discussions on follow-ups to the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur last year, ASEAN’s external relations, and key regional and international developments, with a focus on maintaining ASEAN centrality in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
"We reiterated our strong commitment to upholding regionalism and multilateralism as well as centrality in the evolving regional architecture and emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, shared values and norms," she said.
On Myanmar, Lazaro said the ministers agreed that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) remains the primary framework to address the political crisis, stressing that meaningful progress requires an end to violence and inclusive dialogue.
The 5PC, approved by ASEAN in 2021, includes the appointment of a special envoy, urges an end to violence, and promotes inclusive dialogue.
She clarified that ASEAN ministers have not endorsed the recent elections in Myanmar, citing a lack of consensus among member states.
The ministers also welcomed progress in negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, expressing hope to conclude talks this year in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
ASEAN's current members are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.