MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines Friday night after attending the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos.

In his arrival statement, Marcos Jr. said he engaged in discussions and dialogues with other ASEAN leaders, and they agreed to work together in promoting sustainable agriculture, promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), as well as supporting digital transformation of economies and sustainable tourism in the region.

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Marcos also said the country is leading initiatives related to climate change and climate resilience, as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

In line with this, the Philippines is hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction from October 14 to 18, “to cooperate with other countries on disaster preparedness and response.”

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ASEAN leaders likewise discussed significant international issues in the region, including that of the West Philippine Sea, Marcos said.

“I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. All Philippine actions are in accordance with international law,” Marcos added.

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On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos said he was able to meet other world leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation and strategic areas of mutual interest.

Among the leaders Marcos met are Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and leaders of Lao PDR, the European Union and Japan.

“Making full use of our schedule while abroad, I briefly met with the Leaders of Lao PDR, the EU, and Japan, and expressed our commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations,” Marcos said.

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Marcos thanked the government of Lao PDR as he expressed his anticipation of Malaysia’ hosting of ASEAN in 2025.

“The Philippine delegation and I are grateful to Lao PDR, the Chair of ASEAN this year and our generous host, for their successful chairship. I look forward to Malaysia’s able leadership as they host ASEAN in 2025,” he said.

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