Chair’s Statement of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 26 JULY 2026 —

The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was held in Manila, Philippines, on July 23, 2026, under the chairship of H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The meeting was conducted under the ASEAN 2026 Chairship theme of "Navigating Our Future, Together".

The meeting is expected to have implications for Malaysia's economy and regional trade relationships. As a member of ASEAN, Malaysia's economic growth and stability are closely tied to the regional forum's discussions and agreements. The country's trade relationships with other ASEAN member states and regional partners are likely to be influenced by the outcomes of the ARF meeting.

According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the 33rd ARF meeting was held on July 23, 2026, in Manila, Philippines. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together". The ASEAN 2026 Chairship theme emphasizes the importance of collective action and cooperation in addressing regional challenges.

The outcome of the 33rd ARF meeting is expected to shape the regional economic landscape in the coming months. As Malaysia continues to navigate its economic growth and trade relationships, the country is likely to be impacted by the discussions and agreements reached during the meeting. With the ASEAN region playing an increasingly important role in global trade, the ARF meeting is seen as a platform for promoting regional cooperation and stability.

Further updates on the meeting's outcomes and their implications for Malaysia are expected in the coming days.

Related: ASEAN Secretariat · Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro · Manila, Philippines