The Philippines has formally taken over the chairship of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus from Malaysia, stressing the need for “internal cohesion and solidarity” amid heightened regional and global uncertainties.

“Our leadership in the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus comes amid heightened uncertainties about the future of our region and our world,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement late Saturday.

“To stay rooted in an increasingly unstable security environment, our internal cohesion and solidarity are all the more important.”

Teodoro congratulated his Malaysian counterpart, Dato Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, for his strong leadership and his ministry’s effective chairship, and commended Malaysia for steering ASEAN’s defense cooperation with vision and inclusivity.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working with other ASEAN member-states and dialogue partners “towards our shared aspiration for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific Region.”

The handover took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday.

For his part, Khaled expressed confidence in the Philippines’ ability to lead ASEAN’s defense track with integrity and purpose.

“As we pass the torch to our dear friend, the Philippines, Malaysia gives its full and unwavering support. We have every confidence that the Philippines will continue to lead with the same spirit of dedication, integrity, and unity,” he said.

The Philippines’ 2026 chairship seeks to further boost defense diplomacy and cooperation in key areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Under its leadership, the Philippines also aims to advance practical cooperation to foster mutual trust, promote capacity-building initiatives, and strengthen mechanisms that ensure peace, stability and regional resilience. (PNA)