Asean summit to go ahead in May, but preparatory meetings scaled down, Philippines says

[MANILA] Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Friday (Mar 27) that the Asean Leaders’ summit will go ahead in May, but will be shortened to a “bare-bones” programme that focuses on addressing issues like fuel supplies, food prices and migrant workers.

Marcos’ top aide, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, separately added that all the bloc’s preparatory meetings, including sessions of ministers, will now be held virtually to cut costs.

Marcos said he has consulted with his counterparts in the regional bloc and reached a consensus to proceed as planned, saying “it is precisely now” for them to coordinate efforts.

Recto said 650 preparatory meetings will be conducted online as the bloc scales down non-essential activities.

Recto said: “This is not the time for grand ceremonies.”

Preparatory meetings include working groups, senior officials and ministerial meetings.

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The Asean Leaders’ 48th summit scheduled on May 8 and 9, according to latest notional calendar. REUTERS