President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned from his participation to the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday night, expressing confidence that the Philippines has set the “right tone” for regional discussions.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he will support moves pushing for the inclusion of Australia into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday stood firm on the decision to suspend the officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) involved in the anomalous sale of rice.

The Philippines will benefit from conducting joint military drills with Australia not only for defense and security, but also for disaster preparedness and response, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

The Philippines will protest the recent provocations by China after the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers to illegally obstruct a routine Philippine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other nations to show toughness while remaining committed to international law in the face of aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, infringing on sovereign rights of other nations in the region.

The Philippines is committed to defending its rights within the parameters recognized by international law, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

The Philippines has signed the second protocol to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), which is expected to provide better opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended on Wednesday the Australian government during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit for hosting a forum for “emerging leaders”, highlighting their significant roles in shaping the world.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged on Wednesday the Australian government to continue its active engagement to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as he thanked them for consistently supporting the rule of law.