Marcos arrives in Kuala Lumpur for ASEAN Summits
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departs from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on 25 October 2025 to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 26 to 28 October. Invited by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President Marcos Jr. will join ASEAN leaders, dialogue partners, and international organizations to strengthen regional cooperation under Malaysia’s chairship. The chief executive will attend 14 leaders’ meetings and three signing ceremonies, including the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade. He is expected to promote regional peace, deepen economic ties, and discuss key issues such as the situation in Myanmar and regional security. The summit will conclude with Malaysia formally handing over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines, marking the country’s turn to lead the regional bloc in 2026.
Photographed by Yummie Dingding for DAILY TRIBUNE
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Marcos, accompanied by the first lady, arrived at 2:50 p.m. at the KLIA Bunga Raya Complex.
Onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR001, the Philippine delegation left Manila at 11:28 a.m.
In his departure message, Marcos said he will join other members of ASEAN in reaffirming their commitment to ASEAN centrality and addressing pressing regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and other threats to regional peace and maritime security.
He added that topics such as the impact of climate change, economic volatility, and transnational crime will be part of the regional bloc’s agenda.
“I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” he said.
“I will also highlight the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, a vital compass as we navigate today’s complex geoeconomic challenges,” he added.
One of the key events in this year’s summit is the official induction of Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN.
Turnover of chairship to the Philippines
In 2026, the Philippines will host the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which Marcos considers a testament to the country’s dedication to deepening regional cooperation while advancing the welfare of Filipinos and the entire Southeast Asian community.
“The strength of ASEAN depends on the individual strength and prosperity of its members. Thus, we are strengthening our bureaucracy, making it more responsive, accountable, and transparent in serving the Filipino people,” he said.