MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to Manila on Wednesday night after attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Australia Special Summit. He expressed confidence that the Philippines has set the “right tone” for regional discussions during the summit.
Marcos and the Philippine delegation arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 11:34 p.m. In his arrival statement, Marcos highlighted the significance of the summit, which provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues. He emphasized how Asean and individual member states, including the Philippines, can contribute to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“As a commemorative summit, the Asean-Australia Special Summit allowed us to reflect on the progress of the Asean-Australia relationship over the past fifty years. It also provided a platform for advancing common values such as peace, environmental stewardship, and mutual economic progress,” Marcos stated.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuing constructive engagements with Asean and Australia. He emphasized the importance of promoting peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region for the well-being of the Filipino people.
During the summit, Marcos had the opportunity to meet with Australian business leaders and launch the expansion of the Victoria International Container Terminal, a subsidiary of the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated located in the Philippines. Marcos expressed confidence that these engagements would foster stronger linkages between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and food, education and skills, resources, and green transition.
While in Melbourne, the President secured 12 business agreements amounting to $1.53 billion or P86 billion. These investments spanned various sectors, including renewable energy, clean technology, housing, IT-BPM, infrastructure, medical devices, and digital health services. Marcos highlighted the strong interest from Australian companies in supporting the Philippines’ renewable energy and digitalization initiatives, signaling the country’s potential as a hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services.
In addition to his engagements with Australian leaders, Marcos also met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. These meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on matters affecting their respective countries and the region.
Marcos emphasized that advancing Philippine national interest through engagement with external partners is a priority for his government. The Asean-Australia Special Summit not only allowed for discussions with other leaders but also provided a platform to communicate key positions to the Australian public.
Furthermore, Marcos had the honor of delivering a keynote speech at the Lowy Institute, where he addressed the Philippines’ perspective on Peace and Resilience Amidst Great Power Rivalries. This speech highlighted the country’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the face of geopolitical challenges.
The President also made it a point to meet with the Filipino Community in Melbourne, underscoring the importance of engaging with and addressing the needs of overseas Filipino communities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s participation in the Asean-Australia Special Summit showcased the Philippines’ commitment to regional engagement and cooperation. Through fruitful discussions and business agreements, the President demonstrated the country’s potential for economic growth and its role in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
