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.