00:00We have more or less three main issues that we consider, and these are cross-cutting issues.
00:10It's peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change.
00:17These issues are really, as I said, cross-cutting and can work on the very important aspects that are present in our three pillars of the ASEAN community.
00:33We have to look into it on probably the sociocultural aspects because that is one pillar that we have espoused all along.
00:47The Philippines will bring a stronger focus on ASEAN's sociocultural dimension when it chairs the bloc in 2026, says its foreign secretary, Maria Theresa Lazaro.
00:56In an interview with FMT, she said Manila will continue the progress made under Malaysia's leadership while adding new initiatives that strengthen regional solidarity.
01:05ASEAN's sociocultural efforts are led by the ASEAN's sociocultural community, one of the main pillars of the bloc, alongside the political, security, and economic communities to promote sustainable development and a shared regional identity.
01:17Separately, Lazaro says one of the highlights of Manila's chairmanship will be the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
01:24We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation next year.
01:31We have plans to make this a big celebration of sorts, so the countries who have acceded will be reminded of the letter and spirit of the Treaty of Amity, which everybody has to accede that before one can really join ASEAN.
01:48The treaty signed in 1976 is ASEAN's core peace and friendship pact built on principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution.
01:57There are now 58 signatories to the TAC, with Finland being the latest to join after signing the treaty last Saturday, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
02:05Dhan Sharjareza, FMT.
02:08Dhan Sharjareza, FMT.
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