President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is set to return to the Philippines after addressing the Australian Federal Parliament, marking the end of his current visit. However, he will be back on March 4 for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, where he will stay until March 6.
According to the and , President Marcos will participate in two significant events during the summit, starting with the Leader’s Plenary on March 6.
The ASEAN-Australia will review past cooperation, propose new strategies to strengthen relationships and address crucial issues.
ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
In the Leader’s Plenary, President Marcos is expected to express gratitude to Australia for its support in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ratified in 1982 and the 2016 Arbitral Award for the Philippines concerning the maritime dispute with China. He will also highlight discussions on maritime, climate, and clean energy matters, people-to-people exchanges, and economic cooperation.
Following this, President Marcos will engage in the Leaders Retreat, where geopolitical developments and global issues affecting the Philippines and the world will be discussed. The President aims to encourage Australia to maintain its commitment to peaceful conflict resolutions and uphold respect for international policies.
Moreover, bilateral meetings between the Philippines, Cambodia, and New Zealand are scheduled to address various diplomatic concerns.
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Working-level events
President Marcos will also attend working-level events organised by Australia, including the Maritime Cooperation Track.
The Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, is expected to address this event. Representatives from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will also participate.
Meeting the Filipino Community
On March 4, President Marcos will deliver a speech at the Lowy Institute, highlighting the Philippines' active role in world affairs and its contributions to regional security. He will also meet with the Filipino community in Melbourne Townhall.
March 5 will witness President Marcos inaugurating the Victoria International Container Terminal, the first fully automated container terminal in Australia. Additionally, he will engage with the business community during the Philippine Business Forum led by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Meanwhile, the group Bayan Australia has declared plans to protest President Marcos Jr.'s return for the ASEAN Special Summit in Melbourne. The group seeks to spotlight concerns and create awareness about various issues during this event.
