KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Cambodia, Thailand, Canada, Japan, and the European Council on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on Sunday.
During his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s support for the peaceful resolution of the Thai-Cambodian conflict through dialogue and adherence to international law.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center that the President welcomed developments in conflict-resolution efforts, particularly the signing of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Observer Team.
Thailand and Cambodia officially signed an expanded ceasefire agreement in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by ASEAN chair Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump, also on Sunday.
The Cambodian leader, for his part, conveyed his strong support for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
Marcos also conveyed his condolences to the Thai people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit during his meeting with Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thailand likewise expressed its full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship next year.
Castro said both leaders affirmed their commitments to strengthen cooperation on tourism, trade and investments, while increasing engagements with the private sector.
The two leaders likewise discussed strengthening agricultural exchanges between Bangkok and Manila.
Meanwhile, Marcos’ bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney focused on enhancing people-to-people ties, increasing trade and investments, and expanding cooperation in the energy sector.
The President thanked Canada for its unwavering support for the Philippines in upholding international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who is participating in the ASEAN meetings for the first time after her recent election, was the fourth leader Marcos met on the sidelines of the gathering, followed by European Council President Antonio Costa.
The PCO said it would later release further details on the chief executive’s last two meetings.
