KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for greater ASEAN collaboration to strengthen supply chains and food security through mutual support and the effective use of emergency rice reserves.
Speaking to reporters after attending the 28th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit here on Monday, Marcos said closer cooperation among member states and partner countries — China, Japan, and South Korea — is essential in building resilient supply lines, strengthening training programmes, and expanding exchanges.
He praised the strong teamwork among ASEAN nations, particularly 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.
These efforts have strengthened the ties between the three partner countries (APT) and ASEAN,” he said. On the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to continue advocating for the framework, which seeks to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. He said the Philippines has long been pursuing the initiative and, as ASEAN Chair next year, will continue to do so.
APT consists of the 10 ASEAN Member States and three partner nations — China, Japan, and South Korea.
The APT has become one of the most comprehensive cooperation frameworks in the region, and its collaboration continues to broaden and deepen across a wide range of areas, including political-security, trade and investment, finance, energy, tourism, agriculture and forestry, environment, education, health, culture, and the arts. – BERNAMA
