ASEAN heads of state back PH’s hosting of 2026 summit
Kuala Lumpur—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserted Sunday that the Philippines is ready to assume the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, with particular focus on advancing practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the peoples in the region.
In a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President made the statement during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.
According to Castro, President Marcos emphasized ASEAN’s crucial role in fostering regional stability, cooperation, and progress.
She said the President reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the ASEAN Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community.
The President also sought to bolster the country’s ties with regional and global allies by holding separate bilateral meetings with leaders from Cambodia, Canada, Thailand, Japan, and Europe.
Castro also said the discussions focused on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and regional security as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.
In Mr. Marcos’ meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, they discussed the Philippines’ upcoming role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, she noted.
Cambodia took this opportunity to express its full support for the country’s leadership of the regional bloc.
The two leaders also exchanged views on developments between Thailand and Cambodia, including the signing of the terms of reference for the ASEAN observer team.
In a separate meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Mr. Marcos extended condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Thailand, in turn, expressed support for the Philippines’ hosting of next year’s ASEAN Summit.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment, with emphasis on increased engagement with the private sector and enhanced agricultural exchanges.
During talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney, the Philippine leader underscored the strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Canada.
Mr. Marcos thanked Canada for its continued support of shared democratic values and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two heads of state agreed to deepen constructive engagement within ASEAN and to boost collaboration in trade, investment, and energy cooperation, Castro said.
Mr. Marcos also met with the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, during which both expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.
The President highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries in the defense and security sector, particularly noting the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan in September 2025.
The two leaders also underscored the importance of the Philippines–United States-Japan Trilateral Cooperation as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development.
The Philippine leader also met European Council President Antonio Costa, but details of their discussions had yet to be disclosed as of this writing.
These meetings were part of bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the three-day regional summit.
During the summit’s first day, the Philippine leader vowed to bring tangible benefits to the region through practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives when it hosts ASEAN next year.
Mr. Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to sustain the gains achieved by the bloc and the push for ASEAN 2045, which aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community, Castro said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos ready to lead ASEAN next year—Palace”
