BUSAN, Nov. 2 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Sunday after what he described as a "fruitful" participation in the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and Busan, South Korea, where he pushed for deeper economic, technological and defense cooperation.

The plane carrying the President and his delegation landed at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 2:22 p.m.

In his arrival statement, Marcos said the discussions among APEC leaders tackled the most pressing regional challenges, from supply chain disruptions and climate change to artificial intelligence and economic inequality.

"Our engagements were robust, our discussions fruitful, and our shared commitment to...