Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
October 8-11, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins fellow Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and representatives of ASEAN External Partners for the back-to-back 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) from 8 to 11 October 2024.

During the three-day ASEAN Summit, the President participates in 16 leader-led engagements from 9 to 11 October, where he continues to uphold and promote Philippine interests within ASEAN, highlighting the advocacy for connectivity and resilience, particularly in strengthening the digital economy, supporting MSMEs, promoting renewable energy development and addressing the impacts of climate change, among others. Furthermore, the President continues to defend Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Leaders discuss various international issues affecting the Region and beyond under this year’s theme of ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,’ which aligns with Laos’ commitment to building a more connected and resilient ASEAN. These include the situation in Myanmar, Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula, Gaza and other geopolitical challenges impacting the Indo-Pacific Region. To date, there are 82 outcome documents scheduled for adoption during the back-to-back Summit.

In his first visit to Laos, President Marcos Jr. takes the opportunity to meet with the vibrant Filipino community in Vientiane, where 400 members welcome the President and his official delegation.

At the start of the 44th ASEAN Summit, Member Leaders participate in a Plenary Session, followed by the 45th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session, during which ASEAN Leaders discuss regional and international issues, particularly geopolitical issues. This is followed by a series of interfaces with ASEAN sectoral bodies, including the ASEAN Interparliamentary Assembly (ASEAN-AIPA), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and the Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth.

President Marcos Jr. is set to deliver a keynote speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2024, an annual event that brings together world leaders, CEOs, and senior executives from multinational and regional corporations.

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