PASAY CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Melbourne to attend the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, where he plans to affirm the Philippines' stance on key regional and international issues. Invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Marcos's participation marks a significant engagement commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between ASEAN countries and Australia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the summit offers a vital platform for the Philippines to express its national positions and prepare for future ASEAN Dialogue Partner Summits. In his departure speech at Villamor Air Base, he emphasized the importance of the event in reinforcing the Philippines' gratitude towards Australia for its consistent support of the rule of law, including backing for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The President outlined the summit's agenda, highlighting two primary sessions: the Leaders' Plenary and the Leaders' Retreat. During these engagements, Marcos intends to review and enhance ASEAN-Australia cooperation, share insights on pressing global and regional issues, and explore avenues to strengthen bilateral relations.
Additionally, President Marcos announced plans for bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Mark Luxon. The President also aims to connect with the Filipino community in Melbourne and advocate for investment opportunities through the Philippine Business Forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
A key event during the visit will be the inauguration of the expanded Victoria International Container Terminal, showcasing Australia's first fully automated container terminal. Marcos is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Lowy Institute, underscoring the Philippines' active role in global diplomacy and its contribution to a rules-based regional security framework.
President Marcos reassured that the government's engagements with ASEAN and other international partners would continue to prioritize the Philippines' national interest and contribute to regional peace, stability, security, and prosperity. This visit underscores the longstanding diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Australia, established on July 4, 1946, and the significant Filipino community residing in Australia, which plays a crucial role in the bilateral relationship through substantial remittances.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — The National Munajat Night Assembly, a spiritual gathering in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadhan, was held in conjunction with the 40th Brunei Darussalam National Day Celebration. The 127th iteration of this solemn assembly took place at Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Mukim Kilanas, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.According to Radio Television Brunei, The event was marked by the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, serving as Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
During the assembly, Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani bin Pengiran Sellahhuddin, a Mosque Affairs Officer, delivered a tazkirah titled 'Di Ambang Ramadhan,' emphasizing the exceptional blessings Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala bestows upon the followers of Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam during Ramadhan. The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers and congregants from 68 mosques, suraus, and religious halls nationwide, both in person and virtually, highlighting the nation's collective spiritual preparation for the forthcoming month of Ramadhan.