PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Philippine delegation have returned to the Philippines after attending the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit & Related Summits in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
In his arrival statement on Thursday evening at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, President Marcos said he was pleased to report on the results of the Philippines’ participation in the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.
“I am happy to report on the outcomes of the PH’s participation in the 42nd Summit held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on the 10th of May to the 11th 2023,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
President Marcos pledges commitment to free trade, multilateralism
President Marcos further revealed that they emphasized the importance of promoting an international rules-based system during their meetings with the ASEAN leaders.
He said that this is the basis for regional security, peace, and order.
President Marcos also declared his support for the principles of a free and multilateral trading system.
“I expressed our commitment to the principles of free trade and the multilateral trading systems, called for enhanced support for nano businesses, MSMEs and their integration into the global economy,” said President Marcos.
The president further explained that they also continue to work towards long-term food and energy security and address the effects of climate change.
In light of this, he also shared that the Philippines expressed support for efforts in building the ASEAN community, including strengthening ASEAN institutions.
ASEAN Summit in Indonesia Tackles Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine War, South China Sea Issues
Meanwhile, in discussions on the situation in Myanmar, President Marcos called for adherence to the 5-Point Consensus and expressed support for Indonesia’s enhanced efforts in implementing it.
“We also came to an agreement that we would adjust our approach on the situation in Myanmar and to try to engage Myanmar at every level and to all political factions that are active and are involved in the crisis situation in Myanmar,” said President Marcos.
In addition, President Marcos expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis and continued economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war.
He said that this contributes to the insecurity in food and energy.
On the other hand, regarding the South China Sea, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes over the contested territory.
“On the South China Sea, I reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and advocated for a rules-based maritime order anchored on 1982 UNCLOS,” President Marcos added.
Philippines will fully back Timor-Leste’s bid for full ASEAN membership–President Marcos
Meanwhile, President Marcos also conveyed that ASEAN should support Timor-Leste in its bid for full ASEAN membership.
In this regard, PBBM assured the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste that the Philippines would be its partner in advancing its full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Timor-Leste is currently an observer in the regional bloc.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo thanks President Marcos
Simultaneously, President Marcos also shared that he participated in various engagements with leaders in ASEAN, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and representatives from the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, ASEAN Youth, and High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision.
Moreover, President Marcos thanked Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the host of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, for the warm welcome extended to the entire delegation.
With this, he assured that the Philippines would continue to collaborate with Indonesia and other member countries of ASEAN.
