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PM Wong to visit Manila for ASEAN Summit, related meetings from Nov 15
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Manila from 15 to 17 November for the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. The gathering is the final summit before Singapore takes over the bloc’s chairmanship in 2027, giving Mr Wong an opportunity to outline Singapore’s plans for its term.
The Philippines will ceremonially hand the chairmanship to Singapore at the 17 November closing ceremony, ahead of Singapore’s term beginning on 1 January. Leaders are expected to discuss regional cooperation, digital and green economies, energy security and ties with external partners. Mr Wong will also meet leaders from ASEAN’s key partners; Vivian Balakrishnan will accompany him, while Gan Kim Yong serves as acting prime minister.
In short
- Wong visits Manila for the ASEAN Summit from 15 to 17 November.
- Singapore takes over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
- Leaders will discuss regional cooperation, energy and the green transition.
Explained simply
ASEAN is a group of 10 countries in South-east Asia that meet to discuss shared regional issues and work together. Its members take turns leading the bloc, hosting meetings and setting priorities for cooperation.
Singapore is due to lead ASEAN from 1 January 2027, after the Philippines’ term. The chairmanship gives Singapore a chance to shape discussions on issues such as trade, energy and relations with countries outside the region.
Lawrence Wong is Singapore’s prime minister, and Vivian Balakrishnan is its foreign affairs minister. Gan Kim Yong will serve as acting prime minister while Wong is away.