By Brian Campued
In a departure speech delivered at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism.
The President along with First Lady Liza Marcos, flew to Malaysia for the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26 to 28.
“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 transnational crime,” economic volatility, and transnational crime,” Marcos said.
In particular, the Chief Executive said he will continue to promote an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order for the peaceful resolution of regional disputes, as well as a rules-based multilateral trading system to help member states navigate geoeconomic challenges.
During the three-day Summit, the ASEAN leaders will finally welcome Timor-Leste as the newest member of the regional bloc.
Malaysia, led by Prime Minister Datu Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will also turn over the ASEAN Chairship to the Philippines, which will host the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2026.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella will serve as the government’s caretakers while the President is in Malaysia. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
-jpv
