PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Sunday noon left for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit slated from April 26 – 28.
In his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, the President said among the agendas during the summit is developing trade, improving relations among citizens of the ASEAN region, responding to the impact of climate change and promoting security in the region.
“Ididiin po natin, kailangan ang ganap na kaayusan upang tuluyan tayong umarangkada sa kaunlaran. Anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan ay marapat na tugunan sa mahinahon at payapang paraan,” the President added.
The Chief Executive emphasized that there must be “ASEAN centrality” in the region.
“Sa halip na pagkakanya-kanya, pagbubuklod ang susi upang maabot ang mga adhikaing nakabubuti sa lahat. Malinaw po ang lehitimong problema ng isa, problema rin ng lahat,” said the President.
On April 28, the President will be in Lankawi, Malaysia to join the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“Pagtutuunan natin dito ng pansin ang kahalagahan ng transport connectivity para sa maunlad na kalakalan, pamumuhunan at turismo. Ilalatag din natin dito ang mga inisyatiba tungo sa seguridad ng pagkain at pagsusulong ng iba pang mga hakbang tungo sa kaunlaran sa rehiyon,” said the President. (PND report)