PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday vowed to continue advocating for an “open, inclusive, and rules-based international order” and the peaceful resolution of any dispute in accordance with international law, during his participation in the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Laos this week.
The President left yesterday afternoon for Vientiane in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) for the October 9 to 11 summit. He named Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin head of the caretaker committee while he is abroad, and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III as members.
Marcos and his delegation arrived in Laos at 3:16 p.m. yesterday (4:16 in Manila).
“As we continue to grapple with sharpening regional tensions, including the recent dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law,” the President said in his departure speech.
Marcos said he expects developments in the West Philippine Sea in the South China, along with other international issues that impact beyond the region like the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine and in the Middle East, will be discussed in the summit.
“This administration will continue to ensure that our constructive and deepening engagements with ASEAN, our dialogue partners, and stakeholders serve our national interest and the well-being of the Filipino people,” he added.
He said the ASEAN Summits provide a good avenue to discuss the issues confronting ASEAN countries on geopolitical matters and functional cooperation.
He said that apart from the regional bloc members, the ASEAN leaders would also meet with the group’s external partners to advance cooperation in food and energy security, trade and investment, supply chain resilience, micro-small and medium enterprises, and addressing the impacts of climate change.
“In line with the theme of the ASEAN Chair this year on Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience, the ASEAN Leaders will explore how we can promote regional connectivity amongst ASEAN Member States, as well as to strengthen our resilience to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth,” he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs last week said Marcos is expected to attend 16 leaders-led engagements during the summit proper and on the sidelines of the event.
The President is also expected to have bilateral meetings with officials of Canada, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Japan.
Shortly after his arrival, Marcos met with the Filipino community, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to ensure their welfare and their loved ones in the Philippines.
Marcos, accompanied in the trip by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the rest of the Philippine delegation were welcomed on their arrival Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR Deena Joy Amatong and other embassy officials.
Lao PDR Minister of Mining and Energy Phoxay Xayasone and his wife Phonethida Sayida, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Consular Department Soulisack Soulinthone and Protocol Department Deputy Director-General Outtama Sithiphong also welcomed the President and his delegation.
The summit proper starts today.
