A Myanmar delegation, led by Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung, attended the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting and related events in Pasay City, the Philippines, from October 1 to 3.
The meetings brought together agriculture and forestry ministers and senior officials from all 10 ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and dialogue partners from China, Japan, and South Korea.
At the main meeting on October 1, Union Minister U Min Naung, serving as the outgoing chair, highlighted the progress made during Myanmar’s leadership. He reported that 16 key processes related to ASEAN food security, agricultural, and forestry policies were successfully adopted. He also noted that the new ASEAN Food, Agriculture and Forestry Strategic Plan of Action (2026-2030) was thoroughly discussed and set for approval.
The minister expressed gratitude to China, Japan, and South Korea for their support in addressing emergencies and strengthening food security. He then formally handed over the chairmanship to the Philippines, expressing full confidence in their leadership.
Discussions at the meeting covered outcomes from recent ASEAN summits and the implementation status of several major initiatives. These included a new declaration with a vision towards 2045 and collaborative programs with international organizations. Member states reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in these critical sectors.
The meeting endorsed 23 projects for the 2024-2025 period and approved the Joint Statement of the 47th AMAF Meeting.
On October 2, the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Meeting was held. Participants reviewed progress under the current cooperation strategy and discussed programs on sustainable forest management, water resources, crop insurance, and controlling transboundary pests and diseases.
A key outcome was the endorsement of the new ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Strategy on Food, Agriculture and Forestry (2026–2035) to guide future collaboration. The meeting adopted its joint statement and concluded successfully.
Later that day, the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Meeting took place. Discussions focused on progress under the ongoing ASEAN-Japan Midori Cooperation Initiative. Ministers pledged to enhance cooperation in building resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems through innovation. This meeting also concluded with the adoption of a joint statement.
