Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has presented the Philippines’ priorities and vision of a more secure region as it assumes chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a bilateral meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

The two top diplomats met and reinforced the long-standing Thai-Philippine bilateral ties during Lazaro’s working visit to Bangkok on Monday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA said Lazaro outlined Manila’s priorities for ASEAN in 2026, such as harnessing artificial intelligence in various sectors, advancing the silver economy, and expanding maritime cooperation, among others.

She then underlined the importance of a united ASEAN in promoting regional peace, security and prosperity.

The two officials also had a candid discussion on the situation in Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, and other geopolitical developments, and discussed advancing bilateral ties in a number of areas, including trade and investment.

“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening the warm ties of friendship between our two countries, as well as promoting regional peace,” Lazaro said in a social media post.

“I deeply appreciate Thailand’s strong expression of support for the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026. I look forward to working with Thailand as well as with other ASEAN Member States in advancing ASEAN’s priorities in 2026,” she added.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment between both countries to further advance Philippines-Thailand bilateral relations.

The Thai official is among the Southeast Asian top diplomats who are expected to attend the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cebu this month.

Following her Thailand trip, Lazaro met with the Myanmar leaders in Nay Pyi Taw as the ASEAN chair’s special envoy on Myanmar. (PNA)