ASEAN Summit Opened, Philippines Calls for Solidarity Amid Global Conflicts

Cebu, Philippines (ANTARA) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Southeast Asian leaders to unite and remain steadfast amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties as he officially opened the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday.

In his opening remarks to the ASEAN leaders, Marcos stated that Southeast Asia is facing a “defining moment” amid ongoing global disruptions and conflicts that continue to impact the economy, people’s lives, and regional stability.

“We meet amid major challenges occurring in our region and beyond,” said the Philippine President, highlighting the impact of tensions in the Middle East on ASEAN.

“ASEAN’s tasks must be carried forward, not because of the challenges, but because the time demands our responses to those challenges,” he added.

Marcos revealed that his side has adjusted the implementation of the ASEAN meeting by reducing non-essential activities and changing the format of several agendas to online meetings.

This, he said, is to address the impact of increasing energy and economic pressures due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Despite these adjustments, he affirmed that ASEAN remains committed to maintaining cooperation and adapting regional responses through meetings between ministers of foreign affairs, economy, agriculture, and energy.

The Philippine President also emphasised that ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity and cooperation, especially in uncertain times like these.

“ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity, but from its unity,” he said.

Prior to the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit plenary session, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed the ASEAN leaders and their entourages arriving at the meeting venue.

The attending ASEAN leaders included Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Additionally, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

Myanmar was represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum.

Source: PNA-OANA