President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed confidence in deepening ASEAN–Australia cooperation in trade, maritime security, and climate resilience as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026.
Speaking at the 5th ASEAN–Australia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos lauded Australia’s decades-long partnership with ASEAN and its support for peace, stability, and inclusive growth.
He highlighted joint initiatives such as the ASEAN–Australia Plan of Action 2025–2029, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and Australia’s AUD64 million Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships Initiative.
Marcos also welcomed Australia’s continued investments in clean energy, biodiversity, and youth development through the ASEAN–Australia Center.
He said these partnerships would strengthen the region’s collective capacity to address global challenges while advancing a rules-based international order.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 29, 2025
