BBM in Laos, to push for rules-based order

President Marcos yesterday vowed to push for a rules-based international order and a peaceful resolution of disputes at the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Laos, his 29th foreign trip since assuming office.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

In his pre-departure statement, Marcos said the annual ASEAN summits are ideal occasions for the Philippines to discuss issues on geopolitical matters and functional cooperation.

“We will also be discussing international issues that impact beyond the region, including the West Philippine Sea, the situation in Myanmar, the conflict in Ukraine, in the Middle East as well, among other important regional and international issues,” the President said in a speech delivered at the Villamor Airbase.

Yesterday at 4:16 p.m. (Manila time), the plane carrying Marcos and members of the Philippine delegation landed at the Wattay International Airport.

“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,” he said in his pre-departure speech in Manila.