Malaysia will focus on ASEAN unity, maritime security and Myanmar engagement as the Philippines takes over the bloc’s leadership in 2026.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will reinforce efforts to strengthen ASEAN unity, maritime security cooperation and regional engagement on the Myanmar issue as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said Malaysia views the Philippines’ priorities as a natural continuation of the key deliverables advanced under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
“We will continue to underscore the importance of strengthening ASEAN Centrality, unity and cohesion to ensure the grouping remains in the driver’s seat of the regional architecture,” he said at a media briefing ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu.
He stated that consolidating ASEAN’s foundations and credibility remains essential to preserving the bloc as a rules-based and trusted regional platform.
On maritime security, Amran said Malaysia supports ongoing regional efforts to maintain peace, stability and freedom of navigation.
He emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum towards the timely conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which ASEAN is targeting to complete by July 2026.
Regarding Myanmar, Amran said Malaysia is encouraged by the Philippines’ commitment to continue engagement with Myanmar stakeholders.
He noted this commitment was reflected through a recent Stakeholders Engagement Meeting organised by Manila, following the process initiated by Malaysia.
Malaysia will continue to support the Philippines in 2026 through the Troika mechanism, alongside Singapore, to ensure coherent regional engagement on the crisis.
Amran also welcomed the Philippines’ focus on strengthening trade, advancing digital transformation and building a more sustainable ASEAN economy.
“We will continue advocating sustainable and inclusive growth, accelerating ASEAN’s digital agenda including the responsible use of artificial intelligence,” he emphasised.
He stressed that ASEAN unity is now more urgent than ever as the region navigates major-power dynamics.
“A united ASEAN will be a strong ASEAN in determining our next course of action in engaging with the superpowers,” Amran said.
The Philippines will lead ASEAN in 2026 with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, focusing on collective efforts to strengthen peace, security and prosperity.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu on Jan 29 will be the first ministerial-level meeting in ASEAN’s annual calendar.
