PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is now in Japan with the Philippine delegation to take part in the Commemorative Summit marking 50 years of friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
PBBM’s attendance at the summit follows an invitation from Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Before leaving the Philippines, Marcos made a departure statement at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Friday afternoon, wherein he said that his attendance aims to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global community and emphasize the progress in ASEAN-Japan relations.
Marcos stated that this final ASEAN-related Summit of the year is also an opportunity to welcome the conferment of Comprehensive Partner Status to Japan.
Japan is considered a trusted and reliable partner of ASEAN in peace, economic development, and community-building over the past 50 years.
“I will highlight that the ASEAN-Japan relationship has inexorably evolved and progressed over the past five decades, particularly in shared commitments towards peace and security, trade and investment, food security, climate action, energy security, supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, and now, connectivity,” according to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
President Marcos further mentioned that the summit will serve as a platform for the Philippines to collaborate and secure investments for the Renewable Energy Industry, aligning with the goals of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and the Paris Agreement.
“On the heels of the ASEAN-Japan Summit will be the Asia Zero Emission Community or AZEC Leaders Meeting, and I will apprise the AZEC Partner countries of the current Philippine initiatives toward promoting a clean energy transition,” President Marcos added.
The Commemorative Summit will feature three sessions within the ASEAN-Japan framework.
The first session will focus on community-building efforts and Japan’s consistent support for ASEAN Centrality and a rules-based international order.
The second session will highlight the “Heart to Heart” Partnership across Generations.
And the final summit program, the Co-Creation of Economy and Society of the Future, is expected to include President Marcos bringing the Philippine economic team led by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
“I shall reassure ASEAN Member States and Japan that as a permanent country coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Economic Relations, the Philippines will always continue to shepherd ASEAN initiatives and projects with Japan not only to co-create a region of economic prosperity but also an inclusive society that is ready for the future,” he stated.
