World leaders converge in Manila as PH wraps up ASEAN chairship

ملخص مفصل

MANILA – Manila takes center stage as Southeast Asian leaders and key global figures converge in the Philippine capital for the 49th Association of Southeast...

SUMMIT OPENING. The stage is set for the opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on Sunday (Nov. 15, 2026) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will welcome regional and world leaders before delivering his opening remarks to officially open the summit. (Malacañang Press Corps pool photo)

MANILA – Manila takes center stage as Southeast Asian leaders and key global figures converge in the Philippine capital for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, bringing together governments and international partners amid mounting geopolitical, economic and security challenges.

The arrival of foreign dignitaries has gathered pace ahead of the summit, with leaders from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners and international organizations scheduled to participate in a series of high-level meetings from Nov. 15 to 17.

Among those who arrived ahead of the weekend summit were Myanmar Foreign Minister Han Win Aung on Nov. 12 and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Nov. 13.

Lula's visit included a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during which the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements covering livestock, agriculture and the implementation of competition laws.

The arrivals continued Saturday with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Carney met with Marcos and witnessed the signing of a joint statement committing the Philippines and Canada to finalize a free trade agreement by 2027.

Albanese's visit is also significant, as the Philippines and Australia are expected to further strengthen their defense cooperation.

Other dignitaries who arrived Saturday included Lao PDR Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, United Nations…

مطلع المقال، مقتطف من Philippine News Agency. لقراءة المقال كاملًا، افتحه على موقع الناشر.