President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to leave for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (Sunday) to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
He aims to advance the country’s economic and security interests amid regional and global challenges.
The summit, scheduled from May 26 to 28, will gather ASEAN leaders and key dialogue partners to address pressing issues such as economic integration, maritime security, climate change, and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.
In a pre-departure briefing, the Department of Foreign Affairs said President Marcos plans to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN’s central role in regional stability and growth. He is expected to promote stronger cooperation in digital transformation, food and energy security, and disaster resilience.
On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Marcos will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders. Topics likely to be discussed include trade and investment, counter-terrorism efforts, and protection for overseas Filipino workers.
This marks President Marcos’ fourth ASEAN-related event since taking office in 2022, highlighting his administration’s focus on reinforcing regional ties and amplifying the Philippines’ role on the global stage. He will be accompanied by key Cabinet members and is expected to return to Manila shortly after the summit.