By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Manila takes center stage as Southeast Asian leaders and key global figures converge in the Philippine capital for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, bringing together governments and international partners amid mounting geopolitical, economic and security challenges.
The arrival of foreign dignitaries has gathered pace ahead of the summit, with leaders from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners and international organizations scheduled to participate in a series of high-level meetings from Nov. 15 to 17.
Among those who arrived ahead of the weekend summit were Myanmar Foreign Minister Han Win Aung on Nov. 12 and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Nov. 13.
Lula’s visit included a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during which the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements covering livestock, agriculture and the implementation of competition laws.
The arrivals continued Saturday with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Carney met with Marcos and witnessed the signing of a joint statement committing the Philippines and Canada to finalize a free trade agreement by 2027.
Albanese’s visit is also significant, as the Philippines and Australia are expected to further strengthen their defense cooperation.
Other dignitaries who arrived Saturday included Lao PDR Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The gathering also draws leaders from beyond Southeast Asia, underscoring ASEAN’s extensive network of international partnerships.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to arrive on Nov. 16.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United States President Donald Trump are listed among the arrivals on Nov. 17. Trump is scheduled to attend the ASEAN-United States Special Summit on the same day.
Marcos is also expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in China on Nov. 18 and 19.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said Marcos would hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Korea, while proposed meetings with the leaders of India and Laos, as well as Guterres, were still being finalized.
Unprecedented headwinds
The summit comes as the Philippines concludes its 2026 ASEAN chairship, a year marked by regional and international developments that tested the bloc’s ability to respond collectively.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro described the country’s chairship as one that had to navigate multiple crises, including the conflict in the Middle East, natural disasters and growing uncertainty surrounding multilateral cooperation.
“The year brought unprecedented headwinds, particularly the crisis in the Middle East, the natural calamities that besiege our nations, and uncertainties that tested the norms of multilateralism,” Lazaro said during the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Saturday.
“As ASEAN chair, we have to wade through tumultuous waves, weather turbulent winds, and ultimately, steer through shifting currents. Despite this, we remain steadfast pivoting our course as rough tides demanded,” she added.
Marcos is set to welcome ASEAN leaders on Sunday morning at the Philippine International Convention Center, where he will deliver his opening statement to formally open the summit plenary and Leaders’ Meeting.
