Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, where he is expected to advance the country’s interests in the economy, agriculture, and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
In his departure speech, Marcos said he sees the conference as “an important platform” for the Philippines as this marks the first interaction between the two regions.
“That is why the Philippines needs to be part of that discussion,” he said.
The chief executive said he would particularly focus on calling for boosted cooperation in energy, food security, trade, digital transformation, protection of about 2.2 million OFWs, as well as security in the regions.
Marcos said he would meet with the Filipino community there.
“We will see to it that our constructive engagement with ASEAN and our partners will continue to serve our national interest and the well-being of the Filipino people,” he said.
As he clarified that the Maharlika Investment Fund was not put on hold despite the suspension order of its implementing rules, Marcos said that he would introduce the sovereign wealth fund to the Middle East.
READ: Marcos: Maharlika fund operational by yearend
“We are encouraged by the reaction of our friends in the Middle East and for that matter around the world to the fund and we’re very encouraged that we are going down the right path,” he said.
