Philippines calls for intensified cooperation on regional pandemic response

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Saturday called on its Southeast Asian neighbors as well as Korea, China, and Japan to intensify cooperation amid the threat of coronavirus variants.

During the 22nd ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers Meeting, the DFA said it welcomes new opportunities for recovery and sustainable growth.

“We collectively adapted to regional challenges unforeseen before the pandemic, and this assures me that we (the ASEAN Plus Three) will overcome.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in his speech.

Locsin also urged the ASEAN Plus 3 to stabilize existing supply chains and support new ones, improve connectivity, ensure safe movement of people, and strengthen economic ties among others.

“APT was established not just to deepen political cooperation, but also to strengthen economic ties,” Locsin said.

“The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that the road to recovery is one where all are equal partners. We look forward to its entry into force soon,” he added.

He also called for unity, saying that no one would be left behind.

“[W]e face a future permanently altered by the pandemic. It is in times like this that we all the more realize the value of the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism," he said.

"If we move forward, we do so together, leaving no one behind, and with ASEAN at the center. Let us make our region the center of the Asian Century,” he added. -Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News