Manila:The Philippines is set to welcome at least 19 leaders from around the world and global institutions for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits this week.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the summit underscores ASEAN's significant role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation in the international community. The events will commence on November 15 with an opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), followed by plenary and retreat sessions where ASEAN leaders will review the Philippines' achievements as the summit chair.
The discussions will include strengthening ASEAN's capacity to address regional and global challenges, such as the situation in Myanmar. Additionally, leaders will engage in interface meetings with ASEAN Parliamentarians, the business community, and the youth. The summit will be chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam in attendance. Myanmar will be represented by the Director-General of the ASEAN Affairs Department from its Foreign Ministry.
The plenary will feature remarks from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The participation of these leaders highlights the importance of ASEAN's partnerships in promoting regional economic resilience and aligns with the Philippines' priorities under its Prosperity Corridors.
Following the main summit, the Related Summits, also known as the Plus One Summits, will occur on November 16 and 17. These meetings will be co-chaired by leaders from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Russia, the United Nations, and the United States. New Zealand will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Seymour, and Russia by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
On November 17, President Marcos will convene the 29th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, focusing on strategic, political, and economic issues. The day will conclude with the ASEAN-United States Special Summit, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. President Marcos will subsequently hand over the ASEAN Chairship to Singapore.
The DFA expressed that the Philippines is committed to fostering a peaceful, resilient, and future-ready ASEAN through meaningful regional cooperation.
