33rd ASEAN Regional Forum opens in Manila with focus on maritime security

The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting has opened in Manila, bringing together foreign ministers and delegates from 27 countries, including the US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan and the EU. The two-day meeting, chaired by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa Lazaro, aims to strengthen political and security cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

Focus on Maritime and Non-Traditional Threats

Lazaro said the forum remains "indispensable" for dialogue and cooperation, and will focus on enhancing maritime security and cooperation, as well as tackling both traditional and non-traditional challenges such as terrorism and climate security. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn is also participating in the meeting.

A Key Regional Platform

Established in 1994, the ARF serves as a central platform for security dialogue in the region. The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with maritime disputes and climate-related risks expected to dominate discussions.