Marcos: PH will pursue cooperation with ASEAN partners to address current challenges

VIENTIANE, Laos — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he would work with partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address current challenges in the region and the world.

Addressing the Filipino community here on Tuesday evening ahead of the summit, Marcos said he planned to promote the Philippines’ national interests, such as maintaining peace and security in the region and strengthening the economy.

“The world and our region are facing challenging times. From conflicts in Europe to the Middle East, to global existential threats such as climate change and natural and man-made disasters, to transnational crime and economic decline – all of this, in one way or another, affects the lives and livelihoods of peace-loving people. and hardworking people like you,” Marcos said.

“So my participation and that of the Philippines in the ASEAN meetings is precisely to find ways to work with partners to better meet today’s challenges, to create a better future for our beloved Philippines” , he added.

The Foreign Ministry said the issue of human trafficking was expected to be discussed at the Asean summit.

Laos is part of the ‘golden triangle’ – along with parts of Myanmar and Thailand – which has become notorious for illegal drug and human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a widespread problem within Asean as it now affects not only the Philippines but also many of its members,” Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Espiritu said in an earlier briefing.

Meanwhile, during his planned participation in the Asean Business and Investment Summit, Marcos said he would encourage them to explore the promising economic opportunities in the Philippines.

With the country being one of Asia’s most dynamic and best-performing economies, Marcos assured businessmen that his government would continue to work hard to continue this upward trajectory.

He said the government was committed to providing a better future for all Filipinos so that no Filipino would leave to seek greener pastures abroad.

The President also thanked the Filipino community in Laos for their contributions and commended their professionalism, which has helped pave the way for development in the country.

“Our country has become one of the most dynamic and best-performing economies in Asia. Please be assured that my government will continue to work hard to support this upward trajectory,” Marcos said.