The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting has begun in Manila, Philippines, with representatives from 27 participating countries and organizations in attendance.
The meeting, which opened on Thursday (July 23), focuses on strengthening peace, security, and regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.
Foreign ministers and senior representatives from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, the European Union, ASEAN member states, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn are participating in the forum.
The meeting was officially opened by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who is serving as the ARF Chair.
In her opening remarks, Lazaro described the ARF as an essential platform for political and security dialogue, emphasizing that it promotes cooperation over conflict among member states.
She stressed the importance of sustained diplomacy and dialogue to enhance regional peace, stability, and mutual cooperation, while urging members to deepen political and security collaboration in addressing shared challenges.
The key priorities of this year’s meeting include:
Enhancing maritime security and cooperation.
Addressing traditional security threats, including terrorism.
Strengthening cooperation on non-traditional security challenges, particularly climate security.
Established in 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) serves as the region’s principal multilateral platform for dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues across the Asia-Pacific.
