30/10/2025
Following his successful participation in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Malaysia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers a statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City as he departs the country for an Official Visit to the Republic of Korea to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) from October 30 to November 2, 2025.
Under the overarching theme 'Building Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,' this year’s AELM brings together Leaders and Delegates from 21 Member Economies to set the stage for a year of policy deliberations and cooperation on trade, digital transformation and sustainability.
In a pre-departure briefing, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) emphasized that the President’s participation will focus on advancing the country’s economic interests, deepening ties with APEC Members and reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to APEC’s vision of a more open, prosperous and dynamic Asia-Pacific amid a rapidly transforming regional landscape.
The two-session Leaders’ Meeting is expected to produce four (4) key outcome documents, including the APEC Leaders’ Declaration and three (3) statements on artificial intelligence (AI), demographic change, and the cultural and creative industries — priority areas identified by the Republic of Korea as this year’s host.
In addition, the Chief Executive is set to join the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and deliver a special address at the APEC CEO Summit, which brings together representatives from Member Economies and top business executives to discuss key economic issues confronting the Region.
The President also meets with members of the Filipino community and holds meetings with business leaders in Busan to explore new avenues for trade and investment.
President Marcos Jr. will conclude his visit with a wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery to honor the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who bravely fought in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.
