The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila, where ministers and representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN Centrality and strengthening regional dialogue on political and security issues.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Manila, the Philippines, alongside Foreign Ministers and representatives from the ARF Participants. The annual meeting provided an important platform for dialogue on regional peace, security and cooperation amid an evolving geopolitical landscape.
During the meeting, participants discussed efforts to further strengthen the ASEAN Regional Forum as a key mechanism for promoting confidence-building, preventive diplomacy and practical cooperation. They also exchanged views on a range of regional and international developments affecting peace, stability and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific.
A key outcome of the meeting was the reaffirmation of support for ASEAN Centrality, underscoring ASEAN’s continued role in shaping the regional architecture. ARF Participants reiterated their commitment to maintaining the Forum as an inclusive and responsive platform that facilitates constructive dialogue among its members.
The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained multilateral engagement in addressing shared political and security challenges. Participants recognised the value of the ARF in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation and promoting peaceful approaches to regional issues through dialogue and consensus.
As one of the region’s longest-standing security dialogue platforms, the ASEAN Regional Forum continues to serve as a vital avenue for collaboration among its participants. The 33rd ARF reinforced the collective commitment to strengthening regional cooperation while supporting ASEAN-led mechanisms that contribute to peace, stability and sustainable development across the wider region.
Source: ASEAN
