By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left for Indonesia on Tuesday to promote the country’s interests at the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
In his pre-departure speech, Marcos said he will push for continued efforts towards economic growth, food and energy security, promoting trade and investment, combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking, and protecting migrant workers in crisis situations.
“The Leaders of ASEAN will also exchange views on pressing issues of common concerns such as developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and major power rivalries, among others,” he said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Villamor Airbase before he leaves for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, for the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Villamor Airbase before he leaves for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, for the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Villamor Airbase before he leaves for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, for the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Villamor Airbase before he leaves for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, for the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)
The summit will begin on May 10 with the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” This will be the first time that East Timor will participate as an observer.
The President will also participate in the 15th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.
He will also have interactions with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN Youth Representatives, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision.
“In these meetings, we will have the opportunity to highlight the importance of strengthening cooperation in the BIMP-EAGA subregion to sustain its thriving economy,the strong partnership between the executive and legislative bodies of ASEAN, the pivotal role of private sector and the youth in advancing growth and shaping the future,” he said.
“I look forward to our always productive engagements with our ASEAN partners,” he added, as he noted the value of ASEAN centrality in responding to challenges faced by the region.– gb