Philippines Replaces Myanmar as ASEAN Chair in 2026
- Tangkapan layar Youtube Sekretariat Presiden
Jakarta – The Philippines is planning to chair Asean in 2026 instead of Myanmar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Tuesday, as the bloc wrestles with how to engage with Myanmar’s junta rulers.
Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a 2021 military coup deposed Ms Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent.
“It's my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair Asean in 2026,” President Marcos said Asean leaders in Jakarta.
“We will fortify the foundations of our community-building and navigate Asean as it embarks on a new chapter,” he added.
In line with this, the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also confirmed the chairmanship of the Philippines in 2026. She also revealed that ASEAN commits to continue humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
"The chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026 will be held by the Philippines," Minister remarked.
Presiden Jokowi menerima kunjungan kenegaraan Presiden Republik Filipina Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., di Istana Kepresidenan Bogor, Jawa Barat, Senin (05/09/2022) pagi.
- ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati.
"ASEAN is committed to continuing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. During the meeting, the leaders also appreciated Indonesia in increasing or continuing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar,"
Indonesia claimed it had held 145 engagements with the stakeholders in Myanmar over the past 9 months as chair.
In these meetings, Indonesia was hoping to nudge the Myanmar stakeholders, including the junta, into having a constructive dialogue.
Moreover, Minister Marsudi said that ASEAN would stick to only allowing Myanmar to send a “non-political representative” to its regional meetings.
