President Marcos welcomed foreign ministers at Malacañang to mark the end of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
President Marcos underscored the importance of mutual trust and willingness to seek common ground during the event. He recalled that the treaty was signed by leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand at a time of global rivalries, choosing cooperation over confrontation.
A commemorative stamp marking the anniversary was unveiled. Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania formally acceded to the treaty after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would like to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November in Manila, though no final decision has been made. The ASEAN Regional Forum adopted the Manila Plan of Action for 2026-2036 during related meetings.
