ASEAN Summit to focus regional security, cooperation

The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits kicked off Sunday in Manila, Philippines, with regional leaders discussing energy security, food security, and economic cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, an updated ASEAN emblem was unveiled following Timor-Leste's inclusion in the regional organization.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., chair of ASEAN 2026, handed over the newly signed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Signed Saturday by ASEAN ministers, the agreement marks a milestone toward an open, secure, competitive, and inclusive digital economy, expected to enter into force in early 2027.

The summit runs from November 15 to 17. Marcos urged ASEAN to partner globally to address global challenges. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended as guests of the Chair.

Established in 1967, the bloc holds summits twice yearly. It comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, which joined at the 47th Summit in October 2025.

Source: Xinhua/UNB