PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III arrived early Monday after joining the Asean meetings in Kuala Lumpur and reported such achievements as the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the establishment of the Asean Community and the Asean Vision 2025.
“Because of this, our interaction in terms of functional cooperation will be strengthened and will be broad—meaning the actions on Asean issues will be tackled more swiftly and will be more focused,” Aquino said.
He said he stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region during the conference.
“It is the responsibility of each country to help out in attaining stability instead of contributing to the tension in our region,” Aquino said in obvious reference to China, which is reclaiming land and building structures in the disputed areas in the South China Sea.
“The majority had agreed to a fair, peaceful and just resolution based on global laws,” Aquino said.
He said the Philippines had come far since it first participated in any Asean meeting.
“Before, there were only a few who contributed to airing their side, but now many have supported our call,” Aquino said.
“Even those we first have asked for support now say there must be a Code of Conduct.”
Aquino said his administration’s commitment to good governance had borne fruit and gained the trust of the neighboring countries and the rest of the world.
Aquino said that as he attended his last Asean meetings, he took the opportunity to bid goodbye to his fellow Southeast Asian leaders and thank them for their support and cooperation during his presidency.
“Last week, the country hosted the successful Apec in Manila and now we were met warmly by the Asean Summit in Malaysia,” Aquino said. Sandy Araneta