By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Prior to departing for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ten-country bloc in his speech at Villamor Air Base this Sunday afternoon, May 25.
President Marcos expressed full support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of this year’s summit, which is geared towards meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable development.
“At this summit, I will join fellow ASEAN leaders in reaffirming our commitment to ASEAN centrality as we navigate pressing regional and global challenges, including developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, threats to regional peace and maritime security, as well as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, economic volatility, and digital disruption,” the Chief Executive said.
He also disclosed the tariffs schedule imposed by the United States on several ASEAN member states as one of the major talking points in this year’s meeting of the ten-country bloc, noting the disparities of economic conditions and its repercussions on the bottom line of these Southeast Asian nations.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive has vowed to raise meaningful contributions in the biannual meeting, thus continuing to uphold the integrity of ASEAN and fostering camaraderie among member states.
“I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, an inclusive, and rules-based international order and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” President Marcos said.
“I will also highlight the Philippines’ commitment to the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible AI, or artificial intelligence, aligned with ASEAN values,” he added, envisioning such efforts as crucial in attaining a competitive, people-centered, sustainable, and future-ready ten-country bloc.
This year’s summit is held under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” which underscores the Philippines’ shared commitment to a region that is united, resilient, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all its peoples.
av
