(ASEAN leaders pose for a family picture during the 30th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit at the PICC in Pasay City. Photo courtesy of RTVM/Malacañang)
Mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and equality, as well as mutual benefit.
These were the key points that President Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly raised in his Opening Address at the 30th Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit on Saturday morning.
The summit is ongoing at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Duterte urged the heads of state of ASEAN member-countries attending the event to “respect each other’s independence and treat each other as equals.”
He said, “relations must be based on mutual respect and mutual benefit and non-interference in the internal affairs” of the members.
He used the term “mutual respect” at least twice his speech as he tackled political stability and regional security in Southeast Asia.
He also stressed the importance of “cooperation, unity and solidarity.”
(Family photo of ASEAN leaders taken on Saturday, April 29, 2017 during the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Pasay City. Courtesy of Mohd Rasfan/AFP)
Duterte further stated that governments in the region must focus on economic programs that alleviate the lives of the ordinary people.
He said programs must be “people-centered” and leaders must ensure that citizens have stable sources of livelihood.
He shared his vision of a “dynamic economy” that uplift the lives of the common man.
Duterte also brought to fore his administration’s war against drugs.
“We saw how illegal drugs have ended hopes,” he said.
He noted that the drug apparatus is “massive but not impregnable.”
“It can be decimated and destroyed, before it destroys us,” he guaranteed.
Duterte also discussed the constant danger being posed by terrorism.
“Terrorism and violent extremism have brought a series of attacks right on our shores,” he warned the ASEAN leaders.
Duterte proceeded to encourage the 10-nation bloc to raise itself as a global power.
“It is time for ASEAN to assert its position in the world community. We can hold up to the world,” he remarked.
The Chief Executive also expressed his gratefulness to the Philippines' neighbors in Southeast Asia for their help when the country was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.
He also expressed gratitude for the rapid response to the disaster victims by the United States, Canada, the European community and many other countries.
“During our time of greatest need, you were there. We are eternally grateful. The Philippines will do its own part in helping the people in need in our region and beyond,” he promised.