Ruptly
"President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines admitted that the ASEAN summit was 'overshadowed' by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and not what he 'originally envisioned', speaking at the closing gala dinner on Saturday in Cebu City. "We had prepared to welcome you under different circumstances, to share more of our country, to celebrate our culture, and to show in a richer way the spirit and hospitality of the Filipino people," Marcos said. "Recent developments once again reminded us that events beyond our region can quickly impact our economies, resource security, and the welfare of our people. It also reminded us that leadership is tested not only by the plans that we make, but by how we respond when those plans must change," the Philippine leader added. Marcos also applauded ASEAN members for staying steadfast and for their willingness to come up with solutions to confront 'difficult realities' impacting the region during the Middle East conflict. "No member state can insulate itself entirely from instability beyond its borders. But neither should any member state feel that it must face these challenges alone. And it is moments such as this that also compel us to reassess what matters most," he added. Earlier, President Marcos issued a direct plea for lasting peace between the United States, Israel, and Iran, calling for all involved to 'cease hostilities and to take a step back'. The Philippines, alongside many of its ASEAN neighbours, is heavily dependent on its energy supply from the Middle East, with over 90 per cent of its fuel imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which remains blocked."
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