By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the United States that the Philippines continues to support efforts promoting the two countries’ shared interests in the “collective peace, stability, and prosperity” in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his intervention during the 12th ASEAN-US Summit in Laos, Marcos expressed his gratitude for its reliable and active presence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We welcome initiatives by the US to provide a platform and opportunities to exchange views on a diverse range of issues, including topics on emerging technologies, energy transition and climate change, and maritime security, including through the Institute for Rising Leaders (IRL) Fellowship,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also urged fellow leaders for the continued implementation of the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (2021-2025) and its annex that covers all ASEAN Community Pillars.
He also expressed support for the adoption of the 2024-2025 ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement and Expanded Economic Engagement Initiatives Work Plan and the ASEAN-US Summit Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.
Marcos also welcomed the first ASEAN-US Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change, along with the forthcoming support from the US to the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.
“On health cooperation, we certainly appreciate the US’ continued support for a number of critical health areas. These include infection prevention and control, public health emergency management, regional laboratory diagnostics, and pharmaceutical regulation,” he continued.
According to the President, the launch of the ASEAN-US Center at the Arizona State University is an important step in strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between the regional bloc and the US.
Marcos expressed optimism about future initiatives, such as the ASEAN Youth Volunteers Programme, Fulbright ASEAN-US Visiting Scholar Programme, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and ASEAN-US Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship.