BANGKOK, THAILAND – President Bongbong Marcos on 17 November stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the Asia Pacific region, noting that current geopolitical issues have been affecting the countries' efforts towards post-pandemic recovery.

"However the geopolitical currents that we must live with are some things that we still need to be concerned about. Because prosperity and progress are only possible in a world that is at peace, because we, as nations of the world, can never achieve our fullest potential unless we do it together," Marcos said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit open forum.

Speaking before his fellow leaders in the Asia Pacific region, Marcos said "sights must be set high" for APEC and for all member-economies.

"But whatever plans we may have for our countries, for our economies, those will come to naught unless they are within the context of peace in the region and in the world."

But he recognized APEC's gearing towards averting conflict as he urged its member-economies to always remain cognizant of the raison d'être of international economic cooperation.

"We in APEC, I believe, have found that very difficult balance to a very healthy competition and yet very healthy cooperation," he said.