Marcos to attend Asean Summit in Laos, meet Filipino community

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to attend the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, from October 8 to 11.

He is set to meet the 400-member Filipino community in Laos before his official meetings and other events commence, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said in a press briefing on Friday.

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Marcos and other leaders are set to exchange views on various issues and discuss policies for the Asean community.

The 44th Asean Summit will have its plenary session on October 9, followed by the 45th Asean Summit retreat session where geopolitical issues will be discussed.

In the afternoon, all national leaders will participate in the Asean Parliamentary Assembly, attend the Asean Business Advisory Council meeting, and engage with Asean youth.

Meanwhile, the second day is allotted for summits with external partners of Asean.

“But before the day ends, there will be one more very important event. This is the signing by the foreign ministry of Luxembourg; this is the treaty of amity and cooperation in Asean,” said Espiritu.

“Now on the last day, October 12, the last Asean plus one summit will be held, and that will be with the Asean and the United States. To be followed by the East Asia Summit,” he added.

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