President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently arrived in Kuala Lumpur for a four-day working visit to lead the Philippine delegation to the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, scheduled from October 26 to 28. The visit underscores the Philippines’ firm commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing its advocacy for a peaceful, rules-based international system.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and his official delegation, arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday afternoon, where they were warmly received by Malaysian and Philippine officials.
In his departure statement, President Marcos affirmed that the Philippines will join fellow ASEAN leaders in prioritizing ASEAN Centrality as they address pressing regional and global issues. These challenges include the developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, the impacts of climate change, economic volatility, and transnational crime.
President Marcos stressed that the Philippines will continue to champion an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. He also highlighted the country’s commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, which he described as a “vital compass” for navigating today’s complex geoeconomic environment.
The President’s schedule is packed with high-level engagements, including the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit, and the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Summit, alongside several crucial bilateral engagements with other world leaders.
Major deliverables expected during the Summit include:
The President’s signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN as its 11th Member State.
Witnessing the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
Witnessing the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade, aimed at deepening regional economic integration.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is set to produce approximately 80 outcome documents, addressing a wide range of regional and global concerns, including public health, anti–money laundering efforts, and education.
The visit will conclude with a forward-looking transition. On the final day of the Summit, the ASEAN Chairmanship will be ceremonially handed over from Malaysia to the Philippines. This marks the official commencement of the country’s preparations to host the regional bloc in 2026, a responsibility the Philippines last undertook in 2017.
The President is accompanied by a delegation that includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Trade and Industry Secretary, Ma. Cristina Roque, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian, and Acting Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.
