'We must seek innovative ways to harness our synergy to bring prosperity to our region’

 Southeast Asian nations must enhance cooperation to stay “strong, relevant, and responsive” amid the changing regional landscape, President Duterte declared  Wednesday night.

The President pushed for the cohesiveness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through innovation and synergy during the royal banquet hosted by King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.

“As close neighbors, we have a common stake in keeping the ASEAN strong, relevant, and responsive. This is especially critical at this time when forces are shaping the regional architecture in East Asia,” the President said before ending his two-day state visit here and flying to Singapore last Wednesday night.

“We must seek innovative ways to harness our synergy to bring prosperity to our region and to make ASEAN a cohesive and vibrant community,” he added.

Duterte said he was counting on Cambodia to support the Philippines as it assumes the chairmanship of the ASEAN next year. The occasion coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of the regional bloc as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cambodia.

The Philippines and Cambodia, meantime, have affirmed resolve to boost enhance economic and security relations following the bilateral talks between Duterte and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Duterte said relations between the two countries run “long and deep,” adding that his visit was a “renewal and affirmation of long-standing friendship” that augurs well for the bilateral ties.

“The Philippines is fully committed to making full use of existing bilateral agreement and platform to move forward cooperation in many areas including agriculture, tourism, and labor migration,” the President said.

He said the signing of four bilateral agreements on law enforcement against transnational crimes, labor protection, tourism cooperation, and sports development signal the “beginning of our broader collaboration.”

He said his visit to Cambodia indicated the friendship between the two nations is based on mutual respect and support. “It is a friendship with a commitment to a shared future. It is a friendship that can withstand the challenges of an evolving regional and international environment,” he said.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn D. Kabiling

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