Marcos to Indonesia for ASEAN summit

MANILA, Philippines, May 10 ----- After his trips to the United States and United Kingdom last week, President Marcos will leave today for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia to attend the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

During the biannual meeting of the heads of state of ASEAN, Marcos is expected to push for food and energy security, climate resilience and protection of migrant workers, among other issues, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Office of ASEAN Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito Nayan said at a recent press briefing in Malacañang.

Other issues the President is likely to raise during the summit are efforts toward economic recovery, combating transnational crimes, upgrading of technical and vocational education and training and transition to renewable and alternative energy technologies. The opening ceremony of the summit will be held on Wednesday. Following the plenary session, a series of interfaces among ASEAN leaders and representatives and/or delegates of relevant ASEAN bodies are scheduled on the same day, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said.

She said the ASEAN leaders are expected to adopt a roadmap on Timor Leste’s full membership in the regional bloc at the summit. Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak is expected to attend the summit as an observer for the first time, Daza said. The President will also participate in the 15th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit on Thursday.

Marcos will discuss developments and the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 toward promoting economic development, strengthening connectivity and the sustainable management of natural resources in the sub-region, Daza said. “Some 16 outcome documents being targeted to be issued, adopted or noted during the meeting are expected after the meeting,” the DFA official added.

Marcos is expected to return to Manila on Thursday. Marcos arrived late Sunday from London, where he and First Lady Liza Marcos attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The President and his family arrived in London on Friday from Washington. The President was in Washington from April 30 to May 4 on an official visit.

Source: philstar.com