ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened in Manila to discuss regional integration, emerging challenges, international law, and cooperation with dialogue partners during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, participated in the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, held in Manila, the Philippines, from 20 to 24 July 2026. Together with his ASEAN counterparts, the ministers discussed regional priorities, including economic integration, emerging technologies, geopolitical developments, and ASEAN’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability.
The annual meeting brought together ASEAN Foreign Ministers to review regional developments, strengthen cooperation among member states, and engage on shared challenges affecting Southeast Asia. Discussions also formed part of ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its centrality and deepen collaboration with external partners amid an evolving global landscape.
The ministers held extensive discussions on advancing regional integration while enhancing ASEAN’s capacity to respond to emerging issues, including artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, and opportunities arising from the digital and green economies. The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to support sustainable economic growth and long-term resilience.
The ministers also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reiterated the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as ensure the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels through international waterways, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
On Myanmar, the ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and called for concrete and measurable progress towards its implementation. They emphasised the need for a permanent cessation of violence, the release of all political prisoners, and the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Myanmar. The ministers also stressed the importance of inclusive and constructive dialogue among all key stakeholders to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis.
In addition, the ministers welcomed the Philippines’ plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on 24 July 2026. The milestone is expected to reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture while strengthening cooperation with its dialogue partners.
Source: MFA Singapore
