Marcos to highlight PH role as contributor in rules-based regional security

MELBOURNE - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is set to highlight the Philippines' key role in ensuring rules-based regional security on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Marcos is set to speak before the Lowy Institute, which is an independent, nonpartisan international policy think tank that provides high-quality research and distinctive perspectives on the international trends shaping Australia and the world.

''While I’m in Melbourne, I will deliver a keynote speech to the Lowy Institute where I will highlight the Philippines’ role as an active participant in world affairs and a contributor to the rules-based regional security architecture,'' Marcos said in a speech before departing Manila on Sunday.

''This administration continues to ensure that our constructive engagements with ASEAN, our External Partners, and stakeholders, will best serve our national interest, in as much as we promote the region’s peace, stability, security, and prosperity, for the well-being of the Filipino and all our region,'' he added.

Amid regional tensions with other nations, Marcos has since pushed for rules-based international order to promote peace and prosperity.

Marcos, meanwhile, said that the Special Summit would also be an opportunity for the Philippine government to reiterate the country's national positions on regional and international issues.

It will also set the tone for ASEAN’s Dialogue Partner Summits later in the year.

''There will be two main engagements with the Leaders’ Plenary where we will take stock of ASEAN-Australia cooperation and propose ways forward to further bolster relations, and a Leaders’ Retreat where we will exchange candid views on key issues affecting our region and the world,'' Marcos said.

Marcos will be in Melbourne until March 6, Wednesday.

Aside from the Summit, he will also meet with the Filipino community as well as with business leaders in Australia. —KG, GMA Integrated News