PHL officially launches ASEAN 2017

The Philippines on Sunday officially launched its chairmanship of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2017.

"I am truly honored and humbled as we launch the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN," President Rodrigo R. Duterte said in a speech during the launching in Davao City.

According to Duterte, the event will note the "enduring ties" that bind the ASEAN member states, "affirm shared cooperations," and "secure the future" of the regional organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Duterte also reminded member countries of their commitment to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and urged them to observe "non-interference in promoting regional peace and stability, with respect for rule of law."

He also called on the members to "renew a solemn pledge to do all we can for the very core of our national and regional interest," he said.

Duterte in September accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit, saying the Philippines in the role would highlight the association as a model of regionalism.

"We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure that ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth, all the while remaining ASEAN’s centrality, unity, and solidarity, we will maintain for all times," he said in his speech in Laos.

For this year, the Philippines has set the theme "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World."

The government has also set six thematic priorities to be discussed by ASEAN leaders throughout the year:

• Peace and stability in the region
• Maritime security and cooperation
• Inclusive, innovation-led growth
• ASEAN's resiliency
• A people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN
• ASEAN: A model of regionalism, a global player

"Let us work hand in hand to make this vision a reality," Duterte said.

This was echoed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. who noted that the event was an opportunity to further strengthen ties within the region.

"[The ASEAN is a] momentous convergence which vast delivers a powerful message of the centrality of this great assembly of nations," he said.

Other events for this year will include the 30th ASEAN Summit in April, the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in August, and the 31st ASEAN Summit in November. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News