ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting begins in Manila

Photo – The meeting, considered the most important diplomatic event during the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, was officially opened on July 21. (AFP) Mizzima ASEAN Foreign Ministers have arrived in Manila, Philippines, to attend the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. The meeting, considered the most important diplomatic event during the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, was officially opened on July 21. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. explained in his opening speech the theme of the meeting, "Navigate Our Future, Together." "We must build our future not by following the currents, but by learning the tides, steering the ship ourselves, and most importantly, by working together," said Secretary Locsin. The meeting was chaired by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin, and the ministers exchanged views on enhancing regional resilience amidst changing geopolitical landscapes and on regional and international developments. It was learned that the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity was reaffirmed at the meeting. This meeting is expected to be an important platform for ASEAN countries to move forward with cooperation towards their future.