1 jam yang lalu
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called upon Southeast Asian leaders to maintain unity and resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainty as he officially opened the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday.
In his opening remarks to the regional heads of state, Marcos characterized the current era as a "defining moment" for Southeast Asia, as global disruptions and conflicts continue to strain economies, jeopardize livelihoods, and threaten regional stability.
"We meet at a time of considerable challenge across our region and beyond," the Philippine President stated, as reported by Antara. He highlighted how tensions in the Middle East have reverberated across ASEAN.
"The work of ASEAN must continue, not despite the challenges, but because the times demand our answers to those challenges," he added.
Marcos revealed that his administration has streamlined the implementation of ASEAN meetings, reducing non-essential activities and transitioning several agenda items to virtual formats. This strategic shift, he explained, is intended to mitigate the impact of mounting energy and economic pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Despite these adjustments, he emphasized that ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to cooperation, adapting its regional strategies through coordinated sessions between ministers of foreign affairs, economy, agriculture, and energy.
The Philippine President further underscored that the bloc's fundamental power is rooted in its ability to cooperate during times of profound volatility. "For ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity but from unity," he noted.
Prior to the opening of the summit, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed the arriving leaders and their delegations.
In attendance were Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
They were joined by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. Meanwhile, Myanmar was represented by U Hau Khan Sum, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Prabowo to Discuss Energy, Regional Stability at ASEAN Summit
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo to Discuss Energy, Regional Stability at ASEAN Summit
15 jam lalu
Prabowo is also scheduled to attend the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.
Prabowo Uses Indonesia-Made Maung Car Upon Arrival in Cebu
16 jam lalu
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said it marked the first time the Indonesian head of state had used the Maung vehicle during an overseas visit.
Southeast Asian Leaders Arrive in Cebu for 48th ASEAN Summit
20 jam lalu
Myanmar remains the only ASEAN member not represented by its head of government at this summit.
Prabowo Departs for 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto departs for Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Prabowo to Attend ASEAN Summit, Discussing Iran War Response
7 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, with a focus on discussing the impact of the Iran-US war on regional stability, energy, and food.
Foreign Minister Denies TV Error Prompted Prabowo's Early Exit from ASEAN Summit
29 Oktober 2025
Foreign Minister Sugiono responded to speculation regarding President Prabowo Subianto's early return from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Indonesia Explores New U.S. Investment Opportunities at 47th ASEAN Summit
28 Oktober 2025
Airlangga discusses economic cooperation with the U.S. and mentions Indonesia's potential participation as the host of the Southeast Asia Forum on Export Control (SEAFEC) 2026.
ASEAN Trade Deal Expected to Boost Regional Resilience to Global Dynamics
27 Oktober 2025
The Trade Minister said the ATIGA Upgrade signifies the joint commitment of ASEAN nations to build a modern, inclusive, and sustainable trading system
Indonesia's Prabowo Supports Bolstered Digital Ties Between ASEAN, South Korea
27 Oktober 2025
Prabowo says ASEAN has the potential for a digital market reaching US$1 trillion by 2030.
ASEAN Summit 2025 in Malaysia: What to Expect in This Summit
27 Oktober 2025
Around two dozen world leaders convene in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Summit 2025, tackling trade tensions, security challenges, and more.
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) ·