ASEAN Foreign Ministers Open Manila Retreat with Focus on Security, Unity

MANILA, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – ASEAN foreign ministers have opened their annual retreat in the Philippine capital with talks centering on regional security, geopolitical shifts and efforts to reinforce unity within the bloc, Cambodia’s foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn joined counterparts at the July 22 retreat, part of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM).

The closed‑door session was chaired by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, whose country is hosting this year’s ASEAN meetings.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, including ways to strengthen resilience amid an evolving geopolitical landscape.

The ministry said participants reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity in addressing shared challenges, underscoring the bloc’s role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

The retreat is one of the key sessions of the 59th AMM, which brings together the foreign ministers of the 10‑member regional bloc for discussions on political, security and economic issues, as well as ASEAN’s relations with dialogue partners.

The Manila meetings are expected to set the tone for ASEAN’s wider engagements with external partners, including dialogue sessions with major powers and regional institutions.

Officials said the retreat provides an opportunity for candid exchanges among ministers on pressing issues, ranging from maritime security to humanitarian concerns, while reinforcing ASEAN’s collective approach to regional diplomacy.