Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — The Philippines formally accepted the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Chairship from Malaysia during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Tuesday.
In a symbolic gesture, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. officially received the ASEAN Chairship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the ceremonial turnover here.
President Marcos congratulated and thanked Malaysia for its successful hosting of this year’s ASEAN Summit, praising its theme on inclusivity and sustainability.
“I commend not only Your Excellency’s leadership, but also the steady hands and warm hospitality of the government of Malaysia,” the president said in his remarks.
“You have shown us that ASEAN makes the greatest strides when vision is matched with pragmatism,” he added.
The Philippines will assume leadership of ASEAN under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which Mr. Marcos said reflects the bloc’s commitment to strengthen “peace and security anchors,” develop “prosperity corridors,” and advance “people empowerment.”
“These main priorities will serve as our compass,” Marcos said. “They will guide ASEAN toward a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all that we say and do.”
The president emphasized that the Philippines’ chairship comes at a “defining moment” for ASEAN, as the region faces global uncertainties and evolving geopolitical challenges.
He underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation and adherence to international law, particularly as the bloc prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2026.
“In 2026, we will continue to champion peace and stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues,” President Marcos said.
He also reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role in shaping the region’s political and economic landscape, saying the bloc must remain “the driving force behind the region’s evolving architecture.
“Our goal is not to diverge from past chairships, but to build upon the collective work of our predecessors,” Mr. Marcos said.
“With the Philippines at the helm, we will ensure that ASEAN-led mechanisms remain central.”
The turnover ceremony officially concluded three-day 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which held series of productive discussions on regional cooperation, economic partnerships and sustainable development among the regional bloc leaders and dialogue partners.
