President Aquino will attend the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit that will be held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on November 12 and 13, after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in China.
Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles Jose said President Aquino will be attending the 25th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session; the 12th ASEAN-India Summit; the 17th ASEAN-Japan Summit; the 6th ASEAN-UN Summit; and the 40th ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit.
The President will also attend the launch of the ASEAN Institute of Green Economy, and a Gala Dinner to be hosted by Myanmar President U Thein Sein for all ASEAN Leaders and their delegations, said Jose.
On November 13, the President will take part in the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session; the 2nd ASEAN-US Summit; the 17th ASEAN-China Summit; and the 17th ASEAN Plus Three Summit.
During the ASEAN Summit Plenary Session, the leaders will discuss and exchange views on the ASEAN Community 2015 and Beyond (Greater ASEAN Connectivity), as well as regional and international issues.
On the summits with dialogue partners, India, Japan, the UN, US, Australia, China, and ASEAN Plus Three, the leaders will discuss and exchange views on review and future direction of ASEAN’s relations with dialogue partners, and other matters.
Jose said President Aquino is also expected to speak during the 40th ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit, as the Philippines is country coordinator for Australia until 2015.
During the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session, leaders will discuss and exchange views on non-traditional security issues, climate change, and disaster management and pandemic diseases.
The President, together with all the other ASEAN leaders, is also scheduled to meet with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council on November 13, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
This year’s ASEAN summit has, for its theme, “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community,” highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (with a PND report)
