The Asean annual meeting under the leadership of the Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro deserves a thumbs up. She demonstrated Asean-style diplomacy to engage and further strengthen ties and cooperation with all of Asean's partners.
The four-day rendezvous in Manila from July 20–24 will be remembered as one of the most consequential conferences, as the bloc implements the aspiration laid down in the Asean Community Vision 2045. It also prepares to mark its 60th anniversary next year.
