Marcos arrives at Asean opening rites in Laos

VIENTIANE, Laos — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday morning arrived at the Lao National Convention Center here for the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.

Marcos and other heads of states were welcomed by Asean Summit Chair and Lao People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone with his wife Vandara Siphandone.

Marcos was accompanied by his wife, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The President will be in Laos until Friday to attend the Asean main events as well as other related summits. He arrived in Vientiane on Tuesday afternoon.

Before he left the Philippines, Marcos said Asean leaders would explore how to improve regional connectivity, as well as to strengthen resilience to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Marcos said he would also take part in engagements to advance cooperation in areas such as food and energy security, trade and investment, supply chain, resilience and micro, small and medium enterprises and addressing the impacts of climate change and more.

International issues affecting the region will also be discussed, the President said, including the West Philippine Sea, the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.

«As we continue to grapple with sharpening regional tensions, including the recent dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive and rules based international order and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law,» Marcos said.