President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. called on fellow Southeast Asian leaders to stand united and remain
resilient amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Speaking at the opening of the 48th Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings here on Friday, Marcos
said the region is facing a “defining moment” as conflicts and global
disruptions continue to affect economies, livelihoods and regional
stability. “The work of Asean must
continue, not despite the challenges, but because the times demand our answers
to those challenges,” he said.
Attending the summit were Brunei Darussalam Sultan
Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President
Prabowo Subianto, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysian Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime
Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and
Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng.
Myanmar was represented by U Hau Khan Sum, permanent secretary of its
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.