Manila, July 20 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro underscored the critical importance of regional solidarity during the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission meeting on Monday, noting that the global security landscape is under "immense strain."

Lazaro, who chairs the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting for 2026, highlighted that this year represents a "new tide" and a "new decade" for the pact as the region marks the 31st anniversary of the 1995 treaty.

She commended Thailand for its leadership in 2025 as the depository state for the treaty's 30th anniversary commemorative initiatives.

"As we enter the new decade for the treaty, we stand true to our vision for the region to remain a nuclear weapon-f...