President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has formally accepted the Philippines chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2017 on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
In his speech during the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit at the National Convention Center, he said: “With great honor and humility, I accept the chairmanship of the Asean from our excellent host, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. I look forward to seeing you all in the Philippines in 2017.”
“During the Philippines’ chairmanship, we will highlight Asean as a model of regionalism and a global player, with the interest of the people at its core,” Duterte added.
“We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth,” he said. “The Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the Association. But crucial to the realization of our goals is the cooperation and support of all ASEAN member-states and our dialogue partners.”
The Philippine President also unveiled the theme of the ASEAN Summit in Manila next year.
“Our theme ‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’ captures our resolve to consolidate our community for our peoples with the sense of togetherness and common identity, ready and able to take our rightful place in the global community of nations,” he said.
“The Philippines-ASEAN chairmanship coincides with a historic milestone event. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of our Association. It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years.”
AFP PHOTO: YE AUNG THU; VIDEO: INQUIRER