ASEAN Secretary-General expresses support for Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026

The Secretary General of the ASEANDr. Kao Kim Hourn, conveyed his support to the Philippines, represented by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, when the country assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2026.

At a meeting held on 15 July 2024 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, the Secretary-General noted that 2026 is the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, which will require many bold initiatives.

Dr. Kao assured that the ASEAN Secretariat will work closely with the Philippines to ensure the success of its ASEAN Chairmanship.

20th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Coordination Conference held

Permanent Representative Quintana thanked the Secretary-General for his support, stressing that the support of the ASEAN Secretariat is very important. She conveyed that the Philippines has begun preparations for its chairmanship, with the formation of a National Organizing Council for the country to host the ASEAN meetings in 2026. She further noted that the budget for the preparations has also been allocated.

He said the issues ASEAN is considering now may or will have repercussions two years from now, and expressed the Philippines’ commitment to the three pillars of ASEAN.

The year 2026 is the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Permanent Representative Quintana and Secretary-General Kao discussed and exchanged views on other issues of common interest.