Kuala lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday announced his intention to advocate for an ‘open, inclusive, and rules-based’ international order at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to regional cooperation and multilateralism. He vowed to push for peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. Marcos underscored the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system to address current geoeconomic challenges.
The president plans to join other Southeast Asian leaders in reinforcing ASEAN Centrality amid various regional and global issues, such as the situation in Myanmar, maritime security threats, climate change, economic instability, and transnational crime. He expressed the Philippines’ support for an ASEAN vision that is ‘united, resilient, and responsible’ in addressing the needs and aspirations of its peoples.
Marcos reiterated that the Philippines’ participation in the ASEAN Summit signifies its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and improving the welfare of Filipinos across the Southeast Asian community. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the country’s bureaucracy to be more responsive, accountable, and transparent in serving the Filipino people.
During the summit, Marcos will participate in 14 ASEAN leaders-level meetings and partake in key ceremonies, including the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member and the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade. He is also scheduled to conduct bilateral meetings with fellow leaders to bolster diplomatic relations and explore new cooperation areas.
The summit will conclude with Malaysia handing over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines.
