PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported Thursday his successful mission in the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, saying he has was able to advance the country’s interests before the regional gathering of leaders held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
During his meetings with ASEAN leaders, Marcos emphasized the importance of upholding the international rules-based system, expressed the Philippines’ commitment to the principles of free trade and the multilateral trading system, called for enhanced support for “nano businesses” as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and address the impacts of climate change.
“The Philippines expressed support for the community-building efforts of ASEAN, including the strengthening of ASEAN’s institutions,” the President said in his arrival speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. “The (ASEAN) leaders also discussed regional and international developments,” he said.
The President added he had discussions regarding the security situation in Myanmar. “I called on Myanmar to adhere to the Five-Point Consensus and expressed support for Indonesia’s enhanced initiatives in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” he said.
The five-point consensus that was agreed upon by ASEAN leaders included provisions for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance by ASEAN and a visit by the regional bloc’s special envoy to Myanmar to meet with all parties.
In the continuing conflict in Europe, the President expressed deep concern on the evolving humanitarian crisis and the continued economic impacts of the war, contributing to global food and energy insecurity.
“On the South China Sea, I reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and advocated for a rules-based maritime order anchored on the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the President said.
He also participated in Leaders’ Interfaces with the ASEAN Leaders with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and Representatives from the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), ASEAN Youth, and the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision.
Seeing the huge potential of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), President Marcos encouraged ASEAN’s External Partners to increase their levels of engagement in the sub-region to support its role in galvanizing economic development and enhancing connectivity.
“I once again thank our host, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, for extending such hospitality to our delegation,” Marcos said, adding that he looks forward to continue working with the Chair and other ASEAN Member States as well as ASEAN’s external partners for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in September 2023.
