Manila, Nov. 15 -- A call for regional solidarity, unity and collective action set the tone as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally opened the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits on Sunday.

During the opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Marcos underscored the importance of regional cooperation in navigating mounting geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological advances, climate change, and transnational threats.

"We differ in size, history, culture, and circumstance, but we come as equals, carrying the hopes of our peoples and the shared responsibility to transform them into a common purpose. We come from different shore...