Philippines Concludes Chairship of ASEAN Committee in Lisbon
Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund Cortes hands over the ACLP Chairperson’s Report to incoming Chairperson Thailand Ambassador Kanokwan Pengsuwan.
Lisbon, 26 February 2026 – The Philippine Embassy formally concluded its chairship of the ASEAN Committee in Lisbon Portugal (ACLP), with the Royal Thai Embassy assuming the rotating leadership during a handover meeting held on 26 February 2026 in Lisbon.
During its tenure, the Philippines advanced initiatives that strengthened unity and cooperation among ASEAN diplomatic missions in Portugal. The Embassy led the adoption of guidelines for a coordinated digital outreach strategy aimed at enhancing public awareness of ASEAN’s cultures, partnerships, and contributions, particularly among Portuguese stakeholders and ASEAN communities in Portugal.
Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes also highlighted the increased engagement with the Portuguese Government, as well as ACLP’s active participation in diplomatic events and dialogues that promoted Southeast Asian perspectives on regional and global issues. These efforts contributed to raising the profile of ASEAN diplomatic cooperation in Portugal. He further welcomed the expansion of ACLP’s membership following the establishment of additional resident ASEAN embassies in Lisbon, which now includes the missions of Timor-Leste and Viet Nam.
In assuming the chair, Ambassador Kanokwan Pengsuwan expressed Thailand’s commitment to building on these accomplishments. She outlined plans to continue strengthening ACLP’s digital platforms, promote cultural diplomacy through joint events and university engagements, and enhance cooperation with Portuguese institutions and economic partners. She also underscored the importance of fostering closer people-to-people ties to further deepen mutual understanding between ASEAN and Portugal.
The ACLP serves as a platform for coordination among ASEAN embassies in Lisbon, promoting dialogue, cultural exchange, and cooperation in support of shared regional priorities.
The Philippines expressed its appreciation to fellow members for their support during its chairship and conveyed confidence in Thailand’s leadership as ACLP continues its work to strengthen ASEAN-Portugal relations. END
The ACLP members during the discussion on the achievements of the Philippine Chairship and future plans of the incoming Chairship.
The Ambassadors of Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Viet Nam together with the Chairperson’s Report.
The Ambassadors do the ASEAN handshake, symbolizing solidarity, friendship, and the enduring spirit of regional partnership.