Southeast Asian Foreign Ministers Meet in Cebu Ahead of ASEAN Summit

LAPU‑LAPU CITY, Philippines, May 7, 2026 (KPT) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers and senior officials gathered in Cebu on Thursday for a series of meetings ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit.​

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn joined counterparts from across the region at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, alongside sessions of the ASEAN Political‑Security Community Council, the ASEAN Coordinating Council and a joint meeting of foreign and economic ministers.

Philippine summit spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the talks would prepare the agenda for leaders, focusing on “pressing regional priorities and ASEAN’s long‑term community‑building agenda” under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Officials from the bloc’s 11 member states are taking part, with the Philippines seeking endorsement of three outcome documents under the political‑security pillar ahead of Friday’s summit.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has identified food security and energy stability as key priorities under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Leaders are expected to discuss preparedness, energy diversification and supply stability amid global disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.

Food security, economic resilience, humanitarian issues and broader cooperation are also on the agenda. Myanmar is represented by a senior foreign ministry official, in line with ASEAN restrictions on its leadership.

Marcos said ASEAN would focus on strengthening cooperation as the bloc faces growing economic and geopolitical pressures, highlighting the role of overseas nationals and welcoming Timor‑Leste’s expected full membership as a sign of ASEAN’s commitment to integration.