Marcos meets Japan, Canada, UN leaders at ASEAN Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, October 27 ------ President Marcos joined world leaders here at the opening of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, and met separately with leaders of Cambodia, Thailand, Canada, Japan, the European Union and the United Nations. Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, was welcomed by the head of the host country, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

During the plenary session, Marcos stressed the Philippines’ readiness to host the ASEAN Summit next year, underscoring that its hosting of the regional meeting would focus on practical, inclusive and measurable initiatives, Palace press officer Claire Castro said at a briefing. Castro said the President affirmed the country’s commitment to advance ASEAN’s legacy and the group’s aspiration to attain ASEAN Vision 2045.

In his speech during the plenary, Marcos congratulated Timor-Leste on its formal inclusion to the ASEAN. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN centrality, as well as the Philippines’ commitment to UNCLOS at the Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. The President also extended his condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand over the passing of Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn. In a statement on Saturday, Marcos said Queen Sirikit’s “close friendship with the Philippines and her genuine spirit of compassion have always been a source of strength and inspiration.”

Bilateral meetings

Marcos held bilateral meetings with the heads of Cambodia, Thailand, Canada, Japan, EU and UN on the sidelines of the ASEAN meet. During his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the peaceful resolution of the Thai-Cambodian conflict, through dialogue and adherence to international law.

Castro said the President was pleased to see developments in the conflict resolution, especially the signing of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Observer Team on Saturday, which was personally witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Anwar. For his part, Hun expressed Cambodia’s strong support for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship. Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also expressed Thailand’s full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship next year.

Marcos and Anutin affirmed their commitment to work closely to boost tourism, trade and investments, as well as engagements with the private sector. The two leaders also discussed strengthening agricultural exchanges between their countries. Meanwhile, Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney highlighted the two nations’ strong people-to-people exchanges.

The President thanked Canada for its steadfast support for the Philippines and cited shared values on the rules-based international order, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Castro said Marcos and Carney committed to boost cooperation on trade, investment and energy, as well as to continue constructive engagement in ASEAN. Both agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, with the intention to conclude negotiations in 2026, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. “The leaders also announced their intention to imminently launch negotiations on a bilateral Canada-Philippines free trade agreement, with the goal of conclusion in 2026,” Carney’s office said.

Marcos also met with new Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, European Council President Antonio Costa and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He personally congratulated Takaichi on her election and highlighted the two countries’ defense and security cooperation. They also cited the Philippines-Japan-US trilateral cooperation. Costa, meanwhile, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to multilateralism and strengthening the international rules-based order.

Upgraded ATIGA signed

Castro said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque signed here on Saturday the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which ensures the pact’s continued relevance in addressing contemporary trade challenges. The Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA was presented to leaders at the ASEAN summit on Sunday. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade will be signed tomorrow, which Marcos said reaffirms the Philippines’ support for open markets, infrastructure development and sustained regional economic growth.

11th ASEAN member

Prior to the plenary session, Marcos and fellow Southeast Asian leaders signed a declaration formally admitting Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão were present during the historic signing. In a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday, Marcos said Timor-Leste’s admission “reflects our regions collective commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.” He said the Philippines “stands ready to work with all member states to build a more inclusive, secure and sustainable future for our people.”

Timor-Leste first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. In 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a member, granting it observer status and participation rights in meetings.

Source: philstar.com