President seeks regional cooperation at ASEAN summit

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sat, 02 Nov 2019 05:34:24 +0000

PRESIDENT Duterte arrives in a hotel Friday in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chief Executive is in Thailand for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. With the President is Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go. (Presidential photo)

NONTHABURI, Thailand – President Duterte is expected to promote “responsible partnerships” and “meaningful cooperation” with the country’s neighbors during a regional summit here.

The President arrived in Thailand Friday night and will seek closer regional cooperation towards growth, peace, and stability in the region at the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and related summits this weekend.

The proposed Code of Conduct in South China Sea, a free trade deal involving 16 Asia-Pacific nations, marine pollution, and security concerns are expected to take center stage during the talks of the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners.

“This year’s theme, ‘Advancing Partnership for Sustainability,’ is a subject matter close to President Duterte as he himself believes in – and has publicly articulated in numerous occasions the importance of – promoting respectful friendships and responsible partnerships, as well as meaningful cooperation, to realize his vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development for the Philippines,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Malacanang had earlier said the President will advance the “ASEAN’s community-building agenda aimed at ensuring greater peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific” during the regional summit.

The regional leaders are also expected to explore ways to further promote inclusive and sustainable development and address the challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, and other environmental issues.

Trade tensions, geopolitical shifts, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also be tackled by the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners. The developments in the South China Sea and security concerns such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes will likewise be addressed during the regional’s summit.

Based on his tentative schedule, the President is expected to attend several summits in Thailand, starting with the ASEAN summit plenary session at the Impact Exhibition an
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