Asean secretary-general joining foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila

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July 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will participate in the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related events in Manila at the invitation of AMM 2026 chair, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

The Philippines, ASEAN chair for 2026, is hosting a series of meetings on July 18-24, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Kao will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to participate in the 59th AMM, the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conferences, the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 16th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum and the meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Commission.

While in Manila, Kao will hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and ASEAN’s external partners to explore ways to further strengthen regional cooperation and partnership in support of the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

He is also scheduled to hold an interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Representatives on the margins of the 59th AMM.

Concluding the series of meetings, Kao will participate in the commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on July 24 and the gala dinner to be hosted by President Marcos.