Manila Gifts Chairship Sculpture to ASEAN Ahead of 2026 Leadership Role

Manila Gifts Chairship Sculpture to ASEAN Ahead of 2026 Leadership Role

JAKARTA, April 22, 2026 — Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Tuesday, where the two sides discussed Manila’s priorities for its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship amid global economic uncertainty and an ongoing energy crisis.

Lazaro was welcomed by Kao, members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives and ASEAN deputy secretaries-general before attending a ceremonial handover of a commemorative sculpture marking the Philippines’ leadership of the regional bloc in 2026.

The artwork, presented by Manila to the ASEAN Secretariat, will be permanently displayed at the ASEAN Gallery. Lazaro said the sculpture symbolized the Philippines’ commitment to regional unity and cooperation during its chairmanship year.

Kao thanked the Philippines for the gift and praised Manila’s continued support for ASEAN community-building efforts.

During bilateral talks, the two sides reviewed strategic priorities for the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship and exchanged views on key regional challenges, including geopolitical instability, economic turbulence and energy security.

They also discussed broader efforts to advance ASEAN integration across political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars, according to a statement on the meeting.

The Philippines is set to assume the rotating ASEAN chair in 2026 at a time when Southeast Asia faces growing pressure from global trade disruptions, supply chain shifts and heightened strategic competition among major powers.

The visit concluded with a photo session at the Philippines Chairship Emblem and a meeting between Lazaro and Filipino staff serving at the ASEAN Secretariat.