Marcos: ASEAN-GCC Summit a platform for PH to boost energy ties with other countries

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday that the 2023 ASEAN-GCC Summit in Saudi Arabia would be a platform for the Philippines to highlight its needs in the energy and food sectors, as well as the protection of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

Marcos left for Riyadh this morning to participate in the Summit as well as to meet business leaders and the Filipino community.

"This Summit will serve as an important platform for the Philippines to highlight the need for cooperation in energy and food security, logistics and supply chain, digital information, the free flow of goods, people, and services, as well as the enhancement and protection of the rights, of course, of our overseas workers," Marcos said in his departure speech.

"We will emphasize our advocacy in rules-based international order to maintain peace and security and stability in our regions," Marcos added.

Marcos also said he would meet with ASEAN-GCC leaders to discuss the challenges of major geopolitical developments in the comprehensive and concrete enhancement of the country's security.

The President will be in Saudi Arabia from October 19 to 20.

According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Vice President Sara Duterte will be the caretaker while Marcos is on an official trip.

The Department of Foreign Affairs had said Marcos' participation in the Summit is important because "GCC is composed of highly-developed Arab economies, and at the same time, they are petrochemical powerhouses, and as well as hub and logistics economies." —VAL, GMA Integrated News