Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touted as a “success” the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia as he returned to the country Thursday night.
I believe that the summit was a success and that it charted the new directions that were initiated by the chairman, (Indonesian) President (Joko) Widodo and with the concurrence of all the member states,” Marcos said in his arrival speech at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.Many new ideas were ventilated and many were adopted, and we will hopefully see some progress on the political front and certainly on the economy front,” he added.The president said he was able to advance the country’s interests and commitments before the regional gathering held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. This was his 13th foreign trip since he took office in June last year.During the summit, Marcos once again called for an end to the violence in Myanmar, conveyed the country’s push for a peaceful resolution to maritime disputes, and expressed deep concern over the war between Russia and Ukraine.
READ: Marcos to ASEAN: South China Sea should not become ‘nexus for armed conflict’
The president said he also advocated for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.He added that he is looking forward to continuing working with Widodo and other ASEAN leaders as they are set to meet again in September for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta.
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