ASEAN foreign ministers spent most of Wednesday in separate meetings with 11 of their dialogue partners: the United States, Canada, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The sessions were held behind closed doors, with media allowed only during the ministers’ opening remarks.
The meetings produced a wide range of pledges and announcements spanning trade, security, energy, digital cooperation, and regional stability.
Highlights included:
United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced:
US$2.5 billion in strategic US government investments
US$1.5 billion in Development Finance Corporation projects for aviation, energy, and supply chains
Nearly US$130 million in assistance for demining and civilian safety, plus initiatives to strengthen energy security through LNG market development, grid technologies, civil nuclear programs, and critical mineral supply chains
Canada: Foreign Minister Anita Anand unveiled:
C$1.7 million to help Philippine communities safeguard children from exploitation and recruitment by criminal and terrorist networks
C$1 million to the World Bank to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in the Indo-Pacific
C$2.4 million to support the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering in tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, and emerging threats such as cyber-enabled fraud
C$455,000 to reinforce fair recruitment systems for migrant workers, and C$490,000 to support women’s leadership during the Philippines’s Asean chairship this year
Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cited ‘promising prospects’ in food and energy security, as well as digital transformation with Asean partners.
Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, ‘We will cooperate where we can and disagree where we must, and we want to continue to engage because we believe that is in our national interest.’ She emphasized peace and stability in the region, professional military conduct, transparency of intent, and issues of consular affairs and human rights.
European Union: High Representative Kaja Kallas called for a strategic partnership with ASEAN ‘based on concrete action,’ highlighting cooperation in supply chain resilience, digital and green transition, and protection of undersea critical infrastructure and maritime security.
China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted Asean-China trade volume reached US$1 trillion in 2025, stressing that ‘mutual trust and mutual benefit’ had been the foundation of progress. He expressed hope that ‘sincerity, inclusiveness, and cooperation’ would drive future prosperity.
South Korea: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun outlined pragmatic initiatives under the new South Korea-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including an AI-companionship program and cultural and creative industry projects.
Japan: Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu warned that the free and open international order based on the rule of law faces challenges, with Asean at the core of the Indo-Pacific. He pledged Japan would remain a ‘trusted partner’ and help Asean become ‘stronger and more prosperous together.’
New Zealand: Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Asean counterparts issued a joint statement committing to:
Advance cooperation on climate-smart agriculture for resilient agri-food systems and supply chains
Foster dialogues and practical activities, consistent with international law, to promote safe sea lanes, energy security, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, and marine environment protection
Utilize the newly launched Asean-New Zealand Vision Fund to support regional cooperation and sustainable development initiatives
India: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that India and Asean-representing 2 billion people-must navigate together in a world in transition. He noted 2026 as the ‘year of maritime cooperation,’ with opportunities in trade, investment, mobility, technology, AI, sustainability, and connectivity. ‘It is only through deeper cooperation that we can de-risk and diversify,’ he said.
United Kingdom. Barely 48 hours after his appointment as foreign secretary, Edward Miliband flew to Manila to meet his Asean colleagues around 9 p.m. local time. He highlighted that although Asean-UK relations are only five years old, they have already delivered practical results such as the Asean power grid, enhanced cooperation against online scams and organized crime, and initiatives in health security and education. Miliband assured that London will work intensively with partners to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and upholding freedom of navigation. He also expressed hope that the UK will soon become a permanent member of the Asean Regional Forum.