ASEAN Cooperation Key to Navigating Challenges
President Marcos highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among the Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to face current and future geopolitical and economic challenges. This commitment was evident during the recent summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where leaders gathered to discuss their shared futures.
“The summit was once again an opportunity to discuss among our fellow ASEAN member states and partners how we should navigate our futures together. This amidst the various geopolitical and economic challenges that we face nationally, bilaterally, regionally, and globally,” Marcos stated upon arrival on May 28.
The President participated actively in discussions addressing critical international issues and emerging challenges affecting not only the Philippines but the entire region, especially matters concerning the West Philippine Sea.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Regional Growth
During the summit, Marcos held bilateral meetings with leaders from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kuwait. These talks focused on reinforcing diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defense, maritime security, trade, human resource development, and education.
He emphasized, “I especially wish to note that we agreed to explore active ways to boost private sector investment. We expressed openness to cooperating on advanced technologies, AI, and the digital space.”
The welfare and safety of overseas Filipinos remained a top priority in his discussions. “I emphasized that welfare, safety, and progress of Filipinos working and living overseas is of paramount importance to my administration,” he added.
Marcos summarized his takeaway from the bilateral talks: “In all my bilateral engagements, one thing is clear: we have to continue to cooperate and to work together to navigate a future that presents us with many opportunities together with many challenges.”
Advancing Regional Collaboration and Inclusive Growth
As part of the summit series, the President chaired the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit. This role underscored the Philippines’ proactive stance in promoting inclusive growth and regional cooperation.
He also took part in the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, engaging with regional counterparts to further strengthen partnerships.
ASEAN leaders collectively endorsed the “ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” a strategic framework guiding the region’s development over the next two decades. They shared a unified goal of inclusive growth through initiatives like the “Complementarities Initiative,” which aligns ASEAN’s agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Focus on Security, Economic Resilience, and Technology
Security and cooperation remained central themes during the summit. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and called for full implementation of international treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty.
Economically, ASEAN showed resilience with a projected 4.7 percent growth rate in 2024, surpassing global averages. The leaders discussed the risks posed by unilateral tariff actions and supported the establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force to provide timely policy recommendations for regional economic challenges.
Further economic collaboration was strengthened through updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, amendments to Free Trade Agreements, and increased use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The summit also welcomed the Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC.
Technological advancement and responsible use of emerging technologies were prioritized. ASEAN is moving forward with plans to create the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Safety Network, a development that aligns with the Philippines’ advocacy for AI safety and governance.
Socio-Cultural Development and Youth Engagement
The summit also spotlighted socio-cultural progress. Leaders adopted the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework and discussed topics such as green jobs, education, migrant rights, civil service improvements, and health initiatives.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to the region’s youth, highlighting the successful hosting of the 14th Senior Officials Meeting on Youth and the ASEAN Youth Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Conference in Manila.
In summary, the summit reinforced that ASEAN cooperation is essential for navigating geopolitical challenges and fostering a prosperous, secure, and inclusive future for Southeast Asia.
For more news and updates on ASEAN cooperation, visit Filipinokami.com.