Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
May 27, 2025
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his intervention at the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.
With the Philippines serving as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-GCC Relations, the President expressed gratitude to GCC countries for their roles in conflict resolution and mediation.
He raised that the Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel’s ongoing military operations across the Gaza Strip which have resulted in the continued rise in the deaths of civilians. He called upon all Parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, especially women and children, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to all those in need.
On other urgent matters, he stressed that climate change remains one of the most defining challenges of this time. As host of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), he encouraged contributions to the Fund.
He emphasized that the Philippines’ hosting of the FRLD will accelerate the unhindered access of developing countries to climate finance which shall aid in the development and implementation of transformative and science-based strategies and initiatives for climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk management towards ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for all.
On the economic front, President Marcos Jr. underscored key areas where ASEAN and the GCC can further cooperate, including going beyond traditional trade and leveraging complementary strengths, supply chain resilience and innovation, halal trade and standards harmonization, e-commerce and digital trade, and human capital.
“This is particularly timely as global trade increasingly shifts online and new trade corridors are being shaped by the new technologies. The GCC is an important region for the Philippines on the aspect of labor mobility, where more than 2.7 million citizens from ASEAN Member States, more than 2 million of whom are overseas Filipino workers, live and work in GCC countries, including professionals and skilled workers,” he stated. He further emphasized the value of regionalism and multilateral cooperation where ASEAN and the GCC find strength in unity.
“As the Philippines prepares to assume the Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, we are committed to deepening ASEAN’s global partnerships, including, of course, with the GCC. We will build on the gains that we have made together and chart new paths for collaboration,” he stated.
“As we look ahead, may the partnership between our regions continue to thrive, paving the way for a shared future where peace and security are upheld, and our peoples enjoy lasting prosperity,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.
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