President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. landed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday afternoon to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings.
The presidential plane carrying Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the Philippine delegation touched down at 2:50 p.m. at the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
In a brief address ahead of his departure from Manila, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to promoting a rules-based international order, respecting international law, and bolstering regional cooperation for the welfare of Filipinos and the broader Southeast Asian community.
During the summit, the President is expected to:
- Witness the accession of Timor‑Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member.
- Take part in signing the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and the upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.
- Engage in multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on regional security, economic cooperation, and climate resilience.
- Accept the ASEAN 2026 chairmanship on behalf of the Philippines during a turnover ceremony from Malaysia.
Why This Matters
- The summit occurs at a time of heightened regional emphasis on multilateralism, stability in the South China Sea, economic integration, and sustainable development.
- The Philippines’ active participation underscores its role in ASEAN diplomacy and its desire to advance national interests within regional frameworks.
- The accession of Timor-Leste expands ASEAN’s membership, which may shift regional dynamics and open opportunities for new partnerships.