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.

“We commend Australia for this truly forward-looking initiative of creating a forum for engagement of our emerging leaders in government, business, and in civil society,” President Marcos said in his intervention during the leaders’ plenary at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

President Marcos said that he hopes that the engagement with “emerging leaders” will trigger a conversation on the issues being faced in the Indo-Pacific region, and how they may be addressed through cooperation and partnership.

He emphasized that “emerging leaders” are the “bedrock of the sustainability” of the continued economic, social and political progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The above-mentioned thematic tracks will augur well towards the peace and prosperity of ASEAN and Australia, as well as the whole of the Indo-Pacific, and we look forward to supporting these initiatives as we usher in the next 50 years of vibrant relations,” he said before concluding his speech.

President Marcos participated in the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia where he secured $.153 billion, or PhP86 billion investment deals from the Australian business leaders on the sidelines of the summit. | PND