The Philippines has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering a globally connected transportation system within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following the successful conclusion of the 59th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (59th STOM) and the fourth ASEAN-United States Senior Transport Officials Dialogue (ASEAN-U.S. STOD) held recently in Yangon, Myanmar.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently advocated for enhanced cooperation and broader collaboration among ASEAN member states to ensure the resilience of supply chains and promote sustainable development across the region.
High-level discussions during the meetings addressed a range of critical transportation challenges, aimed at harmonizing regional priorities, and facilitated the exchange of views on the significant progress made under various Work Plans. These include initiatives led by the ASEAN Air Transport Working Group (ATWG), ASEAN Land Transport Working Group (LTWG), ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG), and ASEAN Transport Facilitation Working Group (TFWG).
A key outcome of the meetings was the emphasis on strengthening transport cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners. This will involve building upon established foundations and advancing the development of comprehensive roadmaps and strategic plans for the 2026–2030 phase, designed to guide deeper regional collaboration and connectivity.
The Philippines looks forward to continuing its proactive role in these vital discussions, contributing to a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable transportation network for the benefit of all ASEAN member states and their partners.
