Marcos arrives in opening of 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits

VIENTIANE — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. arrived Wednesday morning for the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Marcos and other heads of member states were welcomed by Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and spouse Vandara Siphandone.

Marcos was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.

This year's theme is ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.

Marcos will be in Vientiane until Friday as he fulfills his jam-packed schedule in the Summit and Related Summits.

The Philippine President will be the keynote speaker in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2024.

He is also expected to promote the regional digital economy, cybersecurity, the reskilling and upskilling of the labor force; the support on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing financing gaps, and digitization and capacity-building.

Marcos will also push for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and promote sustainable tourism.

During morning sessions, heads of states will discuss cooperation in addressing transnational crimes as well as disaster relief operations while international matters will be tackled in the ASEAN Retreat Session.

The issue of human trafficking is always tackled as well during the Summit and Related Summits.

So far, there are 82 outcome documents scheduled for adoption during the 2024 ASEAN Summit. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News