Philippine Ambassador Highlights ASEAN 2026 Chairship Theme in Engagement with Japan-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group of the House of Councillors
Ambassadors of ASEAN Embassies in Japan, including Philippine Ambassador and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (8th from right, seated), and the members of the Japan-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group of the House of Councillors, led by Hon. Hirofumi NAKASONE (9th from right, seated) exchanged views and reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN-Japan partnership at a reception held on 3 June 2026. (Photo courtesy of the House of Councillors)
TOKYO, 10 June 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) Mylene J. Garcia-Albano joined fellow ASEAN Ambassadors in Japan at a reception hosted by the Japan–ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group of the House of Councillors on 3 June 2026.
The event was led by the Group’s President, Hon. Hirofumi NAKASONE, Member of the House of Councillors and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Secretary-General Hon. Michiko UENO served as emcee, while Hon. Tetsuro FUKUYAMA, Vice President of the House of Councillors, delivered the toast. In her remarks, Ambassador Garcia-Albano elaborated on the theme of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, “Navigating the Future, Together.”
“The word ‘navigating’ connotes ongoing and deliberate action. It recognizes that ASEAN must actively steer through a more complex environment while promoting the shared interests of its Member States and maintaining Southeast Asia’s collective voice. This requires ASEAN to remain united, outward-looking, and able to engage all partners constructively,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano said.
The Ambassador also underscored the importance of Japan’s longstanding partnership with ASEAN.
“Japan’s support is important not only for ASEAN’s continued progress, but also in helping ASEAN preserve its strategic cohesion and autonomy,” she added.
The Japan–ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group was established in 2002 with the objective of promoting further exchange of parliamentarians between Japan’s House of Councillors and ASEAN member states.
