PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AND ASEAN COMMITTEE IN D.C. REINVIGORATE WARM RELATIONS DURING 2026 ASEAN DAY

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-49-2026

19 August 2026

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy proudly joined fellow ASEAN missions in celebrating ASEAN Day 2026 on 18 August 2026 at the Royal Cambodian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The event, organized by the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. (ACW) currently chaired by the Royal Cambodian Embassy, commemorated the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The gathering featured a morning reception that brought together ASEAN ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, U.S. government officials, and partners to mark the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This was followed by an outdoor reception that showcased Southeast Asian cuisine.

As the Philippines holds the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez delivered remarks highlighting the Philippines’ priorities and commitment to strengthening ASEAN unity, cooperation, and partnership with the United States. “For its Chairship of ASEAN this year, the Philippines has chosen the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’. We in ASEAN have long recognized that our fates are intertwined and our interests align so closely, that it only makes sense to forge our path ahead as one Community,” the Ambassador said.

The annual ASEAN Day, celebrated every August 8, marks ASEAN’s founding in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. The celebration underscored the enduring importance of ASEAN solidarity and its shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, resilience, and prosperity in the region.

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