Lazaro meets ASEAN officials, foreign ministers in KL

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with ASEAN officials and foreign ministers from various countries during her first overseas trip as top diplomat since assuming the position last week.

Lazaro's visit to Kuala Lumpur includes meetings with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

She emphasized the Philippines' commitment to advancing a people-oriented, rules-based ASEAN and discussed preparations for its chairmanship starting January 2026.

During her meetings, Lazaro also underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Malaysia, particularly on maritime cooperation, and focused on areas of cooperation such as trade, tourism, and law enforcement with Cambodia.

Lazaro welcomed Algeria's joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation during a meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, marking 50 years of Philippine-Algerian relations.