President Marcos calls for enhanced ASEAN collaboration on supply chains, food security, and emergency rice reserves during regional summit.
KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for greater ASEAN collaboration to strengthen supply chains and food security.
Speaking after the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Marcos emphasised the need for closer cooperation among member states and partner countries China, Japan and South Korea.
He highlighted the importance of building resilient supply lines, strengthening training programmes, and expanding exchanges.
Marcos praised the strong teamwork among ASEAN nations in addressing food security challenges.
“Those of us facing food supply challenges are very grateful for the support from other members who contributed to the emergency rice reserve, which has helped us during this crisis,” he said.
He noted these efforts have strengthened ties between the three partner countries and ASEAN.
On the South China Sea Code of Conduct, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advocating for the framework.
He said the initiative seeks to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
The Philippines has long pursued this initiative and will continue to do so as ASEAN Chair next year.
ASEAN Plus Three consists of ten ASEAN Member States and three partner nations China, Japan, and South Korea.
The framework has become one of the most comprehensive cooperation mechanisms in the region.
Cooperation continues to expand across political-security, trade, investment, finance, energy, tourism, agriculture, environment, education, health, and cultural sectors. – Bernama
