Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Angelica Escalona has confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea from October 30 to November 2.
In a press briefing, Escalona said that four outcome documents and three statements on Artificial Intelligence (AI), demographic change, and cultural and creative industries are expected to be secured during the Summit.
“The president’s participation is centered on advancing the Philippine’s economic interests, forging deeper ties with APEC members and reaffirming our commitment to APEC’s vision of a more open, prosperous and dynamic Asia-Pacific in a rapidly transforming regional landscape,” she said.
When asked if Marcos is expected to meet with the U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit, Escalona said there are no meetings scheduled at the moment.
However, she noted that two possible bilateral meetings are still being finalized but did not disclose the names of the business leaders involved.
The DFA spokesperson also reported that the president is set to meet the Filipino community in Busan.
“Apart from APEC activities, the president will meet members of the Filipino community in Busan. The president will also have meetings with various business leaders and executives,” she added.
According to Escalona, Marcos’s visit will end with a wreath laying and tree planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honor the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.
As of writing, the president is currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
