Home > Philippines
Duterte Calls For United ASEAN, Collective Success
President Duterte (Richard V. Vinas | Manila Bulletin)
August 9th, 2017 | 09:14 AM | 2081 views
MANILA, PHILIPPINES
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must remain united to attain its goals for a secure and stable region with sustainable growth, President Duterte declared Tuesday.
Addressing the 50th anniversary celebration of ASEAN, the President said the regional bloc has prevailed over the pessimism and challenges during its early years, proving to the world that diversity is not a weakness and regionalism could work.
“We are stronger, more vibrant, and more robust as [an] ASEAN Community,” the President said in his remarks. “As the countries of ASEAN, we jointly celebrate our 50th anniversary in many diverse ways but we must remain united,” he said.
He said the ASEAN wants a region where people could live without fear from the lawless elements and the debilitating effects of corruption and transnational crimes.
The group also envisions a stable region “where democratic institutions work, where nations regard each other with mutual respect and understanding, and where the rule of law reigns supreme in the relations between states.”
“With ASEAN peoples at the core of our pursuit of lasting peace and security, economic prosperity, and continued cultural development, we must endeavor to do more,” Duterte said.
The President, meantime, paid tribute to the ASEAN founding fathers as well as the heroes who pioneering works contributed to the development of the region.
He expressed hope that many more will be inspired by the ASEAN heroes to contribute further to the growth of the region.
“Let us never forget: Individual success is desirable but collective achievements [that] positively impact lives, that is most ideal,” he said.
“With ASEAN peoples at the core of our pursuit of lasting peace and security, economic prosperity, and continued cultural development, we must endeavor to do more,” he said.
Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN
by Genalyn D. Kabiling
If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]