PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to Manila early Wednesday following his participation in the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he reinforced the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and pushed for stronger regional economic and technological collaboration.
In his arrival statement, Marcos emphasized that the summit allowed ASEAN leaders to align on key regional issues, including maritime tensions and economic recovery.
“I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international law,” he said, referencing growing concerns in the South China Sea.
He underscored the role of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in promoting peace, while warning against unilateral tariff actions that threaten ASEAN’s economic integration. He cited ASEAN’s projected 2024 growth rate of 4.7%, which outpaces the global average.
Marcos welcomed the formation of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force to guide regional policy and lauded initiatives for inclusive growth, green jobs, and migrant workers’ rights. He also highlighted steps toward responsible AI governance, including the upcoming ASEAN AI Safety Network declaration.
On the sidelines, Marcos held bilateral talks with leaders from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kuwait, covering trade, maritime cooperation, and the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
He also announced that the Philippines is preparing to chair ASEAN in 2026, aiming to build on Malaysia’s progress and guide the region forward.
