Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally handed over the symbolic briefcase of the ASEAN chairmanship to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, October 28.
“It has been a privilege to host your majesty and leaders here in Kuala Lumpur, through these intense and illuminating exchanges,” said Ibrahim in his speech marking the end of Malaysia’s chairmanship.
The Malaysian leader also extended his gratitude to all ASEAN member states, their dialogue partners, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn for their cooperation throughout the summit.
In his formal turnover address, Ibrahim officially announced that the Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026.
“On the first day of 2026, ASEAN will begin a new chapter. This evening, it is my honor to mark that transition and to ceremonially hand over the chairmanship to the Republic of the Philippines,” Ibrahim declared.
“To my friend, Bongbong, good luck! President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as you assume this responsibility, I have every confidence that under your steady hand, ASEAN will continue to act with clarity, composure, and that warmth and poise for which the Filipino people are known,” he added.
In accepting the symbolic briefcase, Marcos vowed that the Philippines will continue to uphold peace, prosperity, and people-centered development during its chairmanship.
“The Philippines will continue to fortify our peace and security anchors, strengthen our prosperity corridors, and advance people empowerment,” Marcos assured.
“These main priorities will serve as our compass, guiding ASEAN towards a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all that we say, and all that we do,” he added.
The Philippines is set to lead the ASEAN Summits and Related Meetings in 2026, marking another milestone in its active engagement in regional diplomacy and cooperation.