MANILA, Nov. 15 -- The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits kicked off Sunday in Manila, Philippines, with regional leaders discussing energy security, food security, and economic cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, an updated ASEAN emblem was unveiled following Timor-Leste's inclusion in the regional organization.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., chair of ASEAN 2026, handed over the newly signed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Signed Saturday by ASEAN ministers, the agreement marks a milestone toward an open, secure, competitive, and inclusive digital economy, expected to enter into force in early 2027.

The summit ru...