KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to seize opportunities for greater stability and progress through stronger regional cooperation and partnerships with external allies.

Speaking at the 47th ASEAN Summit Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Marcos commended Malaysia’s leadership in guiding ASEAN’s development and advancing milestones that strengthen community-building efforts.

“ASEAN, as we know today, has evolved to become a pivotal player in global affairs. It is incumbent upon us to seize this opportunity and lead our region toward strengthened stability and progress, alongside our partners,” Marcos said.

The President reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its alignment with other regional strategies while upholding ASEAN Centrality.

Marcos stressed that ASEAN’s approach must focus on cooperation rather than competition. “Under these commitments, the Philippines urges our partners to enhance our engagements where mutual benefits will prosper,” he said.

“Let us pursue broader dialogue and deeper cooperation in the maritime sphere and the economic domain,” he added.

The President noted that ASEAN’s commitments must be translated into consistent and concrete actions. “Our continued pursuit of these measures is not just a protest nor an empty call. It is a solemn obligation to our people, to their livelihoods and communities, and to the values we have pledged to uphold,” he said.

Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He said the Philippines is proud to be among the States Parties to the UNCLOS Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), calling it a milestone in addressing biodiversity loss and ocean degradation.

“We commend the initiatives that ensure a peaceful, secure, and just environment in the region,” Marcos said.

He also lauded the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime for its efforts to address emerging regional challenges and expressed support for initiatives that promote dialogue, capacity-building, and functional cooperation among ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners.

Recognizing Malaysia’s successful chairmanship, Marcos praised the country for completing its deliverables under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

Marcos welcomed the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to keeping regional markets open, competitive, and responsive to global shifts.

He said the Philippines looks forward to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade and the conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, which will strengthen transparency, stability, and predictability across the region.

The President also reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, describing infrastructure development as key to ASEAN’s resilience amid global uncertainties.

Marcos underscored the Philippines’ dedication to building a future-ready ASEAN that upholds inclusivity and sustainability through concrete action. He said the Philippines continues to expand social protection coverage, enhance community-based welfare systems, and promote adaptive protection for climate and disaster resilience.

He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation in health, education, environment, labor, youth, and human rights.

Finally, Marcos emphasized the importance of the upcoming Post-2025 ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment (ASPEN) as a unified framework to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

He welcomed the completion of the Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN pillars, saying these will guide the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and ensure that ASEAN’s goals are effectively realized.