Manila Hosts ASEAN Summit as Global Leaders Gather for Key Talks
Discussions are expected to focus on major geopolitical, economic and security challenges affecting Southeast Asia and the wider international community
Manila: Manila has become the centre of international diplomacy as regional leaders and prominent global figures gather in the Philippine capital for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Discussions are expected to focus on major geopolitical, economic and security challenges affecting Southeast Asia and the wider international community.
According to the Philippine News Agency, international delegations have been arriving ahead of the main event, with representatives from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners and international organisations scheduled to participate in high-level meetings from November 15 to 17.
Among the early arrivals were Myanmar Foreign Minister Han Win Aung on November 12 and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on November 13.
During his visit, Lula held bilateral talks with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The two leaders also witnessed the formalisation of agreements covering livestock, agriculture and the implementation of competition laws.
The diplomatic arrivals gained momentum on Saturday with the arrival of 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.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Carney met Marcos to witness the endorsement of a joint framework committing the Philippines and Canada to a free trade agreement by 2027.
Meanwhile, Albanese's visit is significant as Manila and Canberra seek to strengthen their bilateral defence cooperation.
Other prominent arrivals 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 high-profile gathering has attracted leaders from beyond Southeast Asia, highlighting ASEAN's growing international diplomatic significance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also visit the Philippines from November 16 to 18 to participate in the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
India is a strategic partner of the 11-member regional grouping, comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
MEA spokesperson Rudrendra Tandon said that PM Modi would attend the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st meeting of the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit process during his visit.
He highlighted that India's engagement with ASEAN remains a key component of its Act East Policy, alongside its bilateral relations with all 11 member states.
Tandon added that Modi's programme would include a dinner hosted by President Marcos for visiting dignitaries, participation in the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit, as well as bilateral meetings with other world leaders.
Alongside PM Modi, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to arrive on November 16.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US President Donald Trump are scheduled to arrive on November 17. Trump is also expected to attend the ASEAN-United States Special Summit on the same day.
President Marcos is additionally scheduled to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which China will host on November 18 and 19.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Marcos will hold bilateral meetings with leaders from Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Korea. Consultations involving India, Laos and UN Secretary-General Guterres were still being finalised.
The summit comes as the Philippines concludes its 2026 ASEAN chairship, a year marked by significant regional and international challenges.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro described the country's chairmanship as a period shaped by multiple crises, including conflicts in the Middle East, natural disasters and growing uncertainties surrounding multilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the opening proceedings of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Saturday, Lazaro said the year had brought unprecedented challenges that tested the region's collective response.
She emphasised that despite turbulent geopolitical conditions, ASEAN remained committed to navigating regional challenges and strengthening cooperation.
President Marcos is scheduled to welcome visiting delegates on Sunday morning at the Philippine International Convention Center. He will deliver the inaugural address to formally open the summit plenary and Leaders' Meeting.