CEBU CITY, Philippines (Jan 28): Maritime cooperation and efforts to conclude the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) within the 2026 timeline are expected to feature prominently at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat being held here. “The Philippines’ hosting of the AMM Retreat underscores its commitment to upholding Asean unity and centrality, ensuring a stable, integrated, inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred region. During the retreat, Asean Foreign Ministers will also review the outcomes of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in Kuala Lumpur in October last year, and exchange views on regional and global developments affecting the region. The AMM retreat, the first major ministerial meeting under the country’s Asean chairship for 2026, will be chaired by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma Theresa P Lazaro and bring together Asean foreign ministers and senior officials from across the region. In another statement, the Asean Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications said the situation in Myanmar will also be discussed by Asean foreign ministers during the retreat.

Source: The Edge Markets January 28, 2026 09:45 UTC