Marcos to highlight need for food and energy security, climate response in APEC summit
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will highlight the need to ensure food and energy security, and address climate change when he attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Thailand next week.
In a briefing Monday, acting press secretary Cheloy Garafil said the APEC summit is an opportunity for the Philippines to push for its economic priorities.
“These include the empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises and their inclusion in global value chains, recognition of the essential role of our maritime crews and seafarers in ensuring stable and resilient supply chains, ensuring food and energy security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation,” Garafil said.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eric Gerardo Tamayo said Marcos will hold bilateral meetings with six counterparts on the sidelines of the summit. He did not identify the leaders as “arrangements are still being finalized.”
Asked if the chief executive will meet with United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tamayo said: “These meetings have yet to be explored for the time being.” Putin’s attendance at the summit has yet to be confirmed.
Harris will visit the Philippines this month after participating in the APEC Leaders’ Meeting.
Garafil also said that Marcos will meet with executives of Thai companies to discuss business opportunities and expansion plans, and with the Filipino community there.
Established in 1989, APEC is a regional economic forum composed of 21 members that aims to “create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.”
Marcos is also set to attend the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia next week. In December, he will participate in the ASEAN-European Union summit in Brussels, Belgium. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
- Latest
- Trending
