EU brings up human rights, rule of law in meeting with ASEAN

The European Council president brought up the issues of human rights and the rule of law at the start of the ASEAN-European Union commemorative summit in Manila on Tuesday.

European Council president Donald Tusk made the remarks in his opening speech amid the recent tirades of President Rodrigo Duterte against the EU over human rights issues.

Tusk met with leaders of the ASEAN member-states led by Duterte, this year’s chairman, during the 40th ASEAN-EU commemorative summit held in Pasay City.

Tusk thanked Duterte for inviting the EU to attend the East Asia Summit as a guest.

“The European Union fully supports ASEAN’s efforts and its mission. We are working towards a strategic partnership to encompass not only trade, investment and sectoral cooperation but also more security cooperation. The new ASEAN-EU plan of action contributes to this goal,” Tusk said.

“We remain committed to a strong and cohesive ASEAN developing in its own character, in the best interest of regional prosperity, stability and security. Further enhancing our relations based on common interests and shared values of democracy, human rights, and rule of law is a priority for the EU,” he added.

Duterte, for his part, said the “EU occupies a special place in the ASEAN’s external relations.”

“Our increasing people-oriented, people-centered agenda drives ASEAN-EU cooperation on the bulk of long-standing historical and commercial ties,” Duterte said.

Duterte recent said that the EU could to “go to hell” if it refused to accept his explanation as regards the alleged extrajudicial killings blamed on his war on drugs.

The President had also lashed out at EU ambassadors, telling them to leave the country, amid reports that the Philippines risked being removed from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights because of alleged rights violations.

The EU did not make such remarks but a group of European lawmakers did.

Duterte had also said that the Philippines would no longer accept assistance from the EU, despite efforts from the European bloc to convince Manila to reconsider such policy.

Meanwhile, Tusk pushed for “greater engagement” between the ASEAN and the EU blocs.

“From trade to climate, from maritime security to counter-terrorism. Together, we can make our two regions stronger,” he said.

“Terrorist ideologies have spread across continents. We can mitigate the threat if we work together, sharing information on suspects and trends of concern,” Tusk added. —NB, GMA News