Duterte accepts chairmanship of ASEAN 2017
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday afternoon accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit in 2017.
In his acceptance speech, Duterte said that the Philippines’ chairmanship would highlight the association as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interest of the people at its core.
The chairmanship will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the regional organization.
“We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure that the ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security, and growth all while remaining ASEAN’s unity and solidarity we will maintain for all times,” Duterte said.
It was one of the few instances when Duterte read a prepared speech.
“The Philippines is ready and willing to see and guide the association, but crucial to the realization of our goals are cooperation and support from all the ASEAN member states and our dialogue partners,” Duterte said.
The theme for the ASEAN Summit 2017 is akin to Duterte’s campaign motto, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”
—NB, GMA News
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ASEAN PHILIPPINES VIDEO- 17 MIN ONWARDS
