Fresh off his successful engagement at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed the country today for an Official Visit to the Republic of Korea to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), scheduled from October 30 to November 2, 2025.

Speaking at Villamor Air Base prior to his departure, President Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of the APEC platform in advancing the Philippines’ economic agenda and strengthening regional cooperation. This year’s AELM, themed “Building Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” convenes leaders and delegates from 21 member economies to deliberate on pressing issues such as trade, digital transformation, and sustainability.

In a pre-departure briefing, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted the President’s strategic objectives: to promote Philippine economic interests, deepen ties with fellow APEC members, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to a more open and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

The two-day Leaders’ Meeting is expected to yield four key outcome documents, including the APEC Leaders’ Declaration and statements on artificial intelligence (AI), demographic change, and the cultural and creative industries — priority areas set by host nation South Korea.

President Marcos Jr. is also slated to participate in the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and deliver a special address at the APEC CEO Summit, where top executives and policymakers will tackle regional economic challenges and opportunities.

Beyond the summit halls, the President will engage with the Filipino community in Busan and hold bilateral meetings with Korean business leaders to explore new avenues for trade and investment. His visit will culminate in a solemn wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, honoring the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.

This official visit marks a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ regional diplomacy, as the country seeks to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape with resilience, innovation, and unity.