(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to hold bilateral meetings with US President Donald Trump and four other world leaders on the sidelines of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Manila.
ASEAN 2026 spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial confirmed the scheduled meetings during an interview at the International Media Center at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
Trump is expected to arrive in Manila on November 17 to participate in the ASEAN-US Special Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Aside from the US president, Marcos is scheduled to meet separately with the leaders of Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Korea to discuss bilateral relations and areas of mutual cooperation.
Imperial said proposed meetings with the leaders of India and Laos, as well as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, are still being finalized.
The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 15 to 17, bringing together regional leaders and dialogue partners for discussions on security, economic cooperation and other pressing regional concerns.
Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship focuses on three strategic priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors and people empowerment.
These priorities aim to strengthen regional stability, expand economic partnerships and promote inclusive growth and development across Southeast Asia.
The bilateral meetings are expected to provide opportunities for Marcos to strengthen diplomatic ties and advance Philippine interests through direct engagement with key international partners.
