ASEAN pushes to strengthen nuclear-free zone at Manila meet

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers have discussed ways to strengthen the implementation of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as the regional bloc convened its annual diplomatic meetings in Manila, the Philippines.

The issue was raised during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings on Monday, where member states and dialogue partners gathered to discuss regional peace, security, and cooperation, according to a statement from the bloc's secretariat.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn also participated in the Foreign Ministers’ Interface with representatives of the bloc's Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), held on the sidelines of the meetings.

The discussions included efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and support the implementation of AICHR’s mandate and functions.

The representatives also submitted their annual report for 2026 to the 59th AMM for notation, the secretariat said.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which is hosting the meetings, said the 59th AMM and related gatherings are being held in Manila from July 20 to 24 under the chairmanship of Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa Lazaro.

In a statement issued by the DFA, Lazaro said the meetings would focus on reinforcing ASEAN centrality, strengthening partnerships, and delivering outcomes for the region.

“Over the past seven months, we have worked closely with our fellow ASEAN member states and our partners to advance a chairship that is responsive to the challenges and opportunities confronting our region,” Lazaro said.

The DFA said the week-long engagements include the Post-Ministerial Conferences with Dialogue Partners, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The meetings will conclude with activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, including a signing ceremony for countries acceding to the treaty, according to the DFA.

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Source: TRT