CEBU City – The Philippines on Thursday called on Southeast Asian nations to strengthen regional unity and security cooperation as the escalating crisis in the Middle East, rising maritime tensions, cyber threats, and transnational crimes pose growing risks to ASEAN’s stability, economy, and public safety.
Speaking during the opening of the 31st ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting in Cebu City, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stressed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must remain the “primary driving force” in preserving peace, stability, and regional cooperation amid intensifying global uncertainties.
“We continue to wrestle with the deepening impacts of the situation in the Middle East on energy, food, and safety of our peoples,” Lazaro said.
Lazaro warned that the widening geopolitical tensions and security threats confronting the region require stronger multilateral cooperation among ASEAN member states under the ASEAN Political-Security Community framework.
She cited maritime security concerns, cybersecurity threats, and cross-border crimes among the pressing issues facing the regional bloc.
The meeting forms part of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings hosted by the Philippines as current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Regional leaders are gathering to discuss collective strategies aimed at sustaining peace, regional stability, and economic cooperation amid evolving international and regional challenges.
Under its ASEAN chairmanship, the Philippines is pushing initiatives centered on maritime cooperation, regional stability, food and energy security, and the protection of Southeast Asian nationals.
Lazaro also underscored the importance of expanding maritime collaboration among ASEAN member states, including support for the proposed ASEAN Maritime Centre that the Philippines plans to establish.
“As a region linked by our seas, the maritime domain remains central to our pursuit of stability and prosperity,” she said./PN
