ASEAN prioritizes strategic autonomy and regional engagement

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that the association intends to strengthen its own internal mechanisms while maintaining active relations with partners both within and outside the region.

Kao emphasized that the bloc is working to build strategic autonomy by utilizing decades of regional agreements and institutions. This approach aims to prevent outside power structures from defining the organization's course. Furthermore, the Secretary-General noted that ASEAN will continue to engage with all partners while advancing its long-term community-building agenda under the ASEAN 2045 framework.