Marcos back in Philippines after ‘successful’ Saudi trip

MANILA, Philippines — It was a “short but successful” visit, President Marcos said yesterday after arriving from Saudi Arabia where he attended the first summit of leaders of Southeast Asian nations and the Gulf states.

In his arrival statement delivered at the Villamor Airbase, Marcos said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit was a landmark event that provided the Philippines with an opportunity to project its longstanding promotion of a rules-based international order.

Such an order is essential to maintain peace, security and stability in the two regions, he added.

“I have arrived back from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after a very short but I can say successful and productive visit,” the President said.

According to Marcos, the summit marked the first time leaders from ASEAN and GCC states met and tackled regional and international issues and agreed on the future of their cooperation.

“I highlighted, in particular, the ways that we can collaborate in the areas of energy, food security and the enhancement of logistic chains for the continued progress of our (interdependent) global economy. I underscored in this regard our commitment to the full implementation of the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation for 2024 to 2028,” he added.

Marcos said that during the summit, he advocated for the safeguarding of the rights and welfare of the more than two million Filipinos in GCC countries and called for their upskilling so they could meet the demands of the increasing digital transformation in the modern workplace.

“Let me assure you that we will continue to advance our national interests as we further expand our partnerships abroad,” he added.

The summit also allowed ASEAN and GCC leaders to express their views on the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

“I shared our hope for peace, that it should prevail and for the welfare and safety of civilians to be upheld in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the President said.

Marcos also reported the signing of a memorandum of understanding between EEI Corp. and Samsung Engineering NEC Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Samsung Engineering and Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment