President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will be in New Delhi, India this weekend to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
In a press briefing, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said Marcos will visit New Delhi on September 12 to 13 upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Marcos will attend the BRICS Summit in his role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.
BRICS stands for Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
The President will also have a bilateral meeting with the Indian leader, during which they will discuss the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, review the implementation of the five-year plan of action for 2025–2029, and discuss economic issues.
The President’s visit includes engagement with Indian business leaders to strengthen trade and investment ties.
He will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, and Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
“Through this visit, the President seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient, and capable of delivering prosperity to our people,” Ratonel said.
She added: “Magkakaroon ng pagkakataon si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na ipaliwanag sa mga miyembro ng BRICS ang mga pangunahing prayoridad ng Pilipinas bilang ASEAN Chair. Ang mga prayoridad na ito ay umiikot sa larangan ng peace and security, people empowerment, at prosperity.”
BRICS brings together 11 major emerging markets and developing countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates.
The 18th BRICS Summit seeks to address global economic uncertainties, leverage new digital public infrastructure, and accelerate collective climate action.
“Ang pakikilahok na ito ay isang strategic opportunity upang subaybayan ang mga emerging economic frameworks at irepresenta ang mga prayoridad at pananaw ng rehiyon, habang direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pinuno ng mga major emerging economies,” Ratonel said.