Marcos assures US of continued PH support for ASEAN goals

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

US-ASEAN SUMMIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirms the Philippines’ continued support for initiatives that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the ASEAN region in his intervention during the 12th ASEAN-US Summit on Friday (Oct. 11, 2024). The President acknowledged US contributions to ASEAN and welcomed initiatives on emerging technologies, climate change and maritime security. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the United States of continued support from the Philippines for efforts promoting shared interests within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

in his intervention during the 12th ASEAN-US Summit, Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to initiatives aimed at fostering regional peace, stability and prosperity.

“Please be assured of the Philippines’ continued support for projects advancing our common interest in the collective peace, stability and prosperity of our region,” Marcos said.

The President acknowledged the US’ unwavering commitment and contribution to ASEAN, particularly its active presence in the region as “a force for peace, stability and security.”

President Marcos emphasized that ASEAN member states “equally value the consistent support of the United States for ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture.”

“We welcome initiatives by the US to provide a platform and opportunities to exchange views on a diverse range of issues, including topics on emerging technologies, energy transition and climate change and maritime security, including through the Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship,” Marcos said.

Marcos called for the continued implementation of the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (2021-2025), and its annex which covers all ASEAN Community Pillars.

He also voiced support for the adoption of the 2024-2025 ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement and Expanded Economic Engagement Initiatives Work Plan and the ASEAN-US Summit Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.

On environmental issues, President Marcos said the Philippines welcomes the first ASEAN-US Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change, along with the forthcoming support from the US to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

“On health cooperation, we certainly appreciate the US’ continued support for a number of critical health areas. These include infection prevention and control, public health emergency management, regional laboratory diagnostics and pharmaceutical regulation,” President Marcos said.

Marcos said ASEAN welcomes the launch of the ASEAN-US Center at the Arizona State University, describing it as an important step in deepening economic and cultural ties between the regional bloc and the United States.

The President expressed optimism about future initiatives, including the ASEAN Youth Volunteers Programme, Fulbright ASEAN-US Visiting Scholar Programme, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and ASEAN-US Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship.