Marcos heads to Malaysia for ASEAN Summit, push PH stance on rules-based South China Sea order
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left for Malaysia on Saturday, Oct. 25, to attend the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, where he will push Philippine advocacies on regional security, economic cooperation, and a rules-based international order.
“As always, our participation in the ASEAN Summit reaffirms our dedication to deepening regional cooperation and to advancing the well-being of every Filipino, and the entire Southeast Asian community,” Marcos said in his departure speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The president said he will join fellow ASEAN leaders in addressing key regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, threats to maritime security, climate change, economic volatility, and transnational crime.
“At this summit, I will join fellow Asian 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,” Marcos said.
He added that the Philippines will continue to advocate for “an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.”
Marcos said he will also highlight the country’s commitment to a “rules-based multilateral trading system — a vital compass as we navigate today’s complex geo-economic challenges.”
During the summit, the president said ASEAN leaders will formally welcome Timor-Leste as the bloc’s newest member.
“Malaysia will be turning over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines, marking the symbolic beginning of our turn as chair,” he added.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Marcos is expected to attend 14 leaders-level meetings and three signing ceremonies. He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with other heads of state to strengthen ties and explore new areas of cooperation.
