Marcos stresses ASEAN centrality, partnerships at 44th ASEAN Summit

Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement with external partners during the 44th ASEAN Summit and AIPA meetings.

Marcos stressed that such partnerships are crucial for reinforcing ASEAN centrality, promoting mutual trust, and upholding a rules-based international order to safeguard peace, stability, security, and prosperity for all.

He highlighted the robust growth prospects of the region, noting that it is outpacing global forecasts due to dynamic regional efforts.

Marcos called on member states to deepen connectivity and fortify resilience in areas such as digital economy, food security, tourism, women empowerment, and gender equality to address future challenges.

During his intervention at the Southeast Asian Leaders' Interface with ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Marcos underscored the importance of inter-parliamentary diplomacy respecting ASEAN centrality for driving collective efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous region.