Marcos arrives in Laos for ASEAN Summits

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, arrived in Vientiane, Laos on Wednesday morning for the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit.

Marcos was greeted at the airport by Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse Vandara Siphandone along with Philippine Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong and local officials.

The President's delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and other key cabinet members overseeing government operations in Marcos' absence.

During the summit, Marcos will discuss regional issues such as the West Philippine Sea dispute and human trafficking with ASEAN leaders and deliver a keynote speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2024.

Marcos is expected to promote initiatives for sustainable agriculture, tourism, and digital economy development during his stay in Vientiane until Friday.