ASEAN leaders gathered in Vientiane for the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits held between September 6 to 8. / AFP PHOTO / YE AUNG THU
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (September 8) accepted the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit scheduled for next year, 2017, when ASEAN will be celebrating its 50th year.
Duterte accepted the symbolical gavel of the ASEAN chairmanship for next year from Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith during the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit and handover of the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines.
ASEAN leaders gathered in Vientiane for the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits held between September 6 to 8.
The Philippines also announced the theme for next year that reflected President Duterte’s campaign.
The theme for ASEAN 2017 to be hosted by the Philippines is “Partnering for change, engaging the world” – a clear reference to the President’s campaign slogan “change is coming.”
It also contained the phrase “partner for change,” which is used to refer to the supporters of the President by Malacanang’s Presidential Communications Group.
Duterte said the theme of next year’s conference mirrored the resolve of the Philippines to consolidate ASEAN to enable it to take its rightful place in the international community.
“We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure that ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth, all the while retaining ASEAN’s centrality, unity and solidarity, we will maintain for all times,” he said in his acceptance speech.
“The Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the association. But crucial to the realization of our goals is the cooperation and support of all ASEAN member-states and our dialogue partners.”
Next year will the 50th anniversary of the founding of the 10-member regional bloc.
“During the Philippines’ chairmanship, we will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player, with the interest of the people at its core,” Duterte said.
“Towards this end, I invite you to be our dynamic and vibrant partners as we guide ASEAN in 2017.”
Duterte also congratulated Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith for the success of this year’s conference.
“You guided us with the timely motto of ‘Turning Vision into Reality for Dynamic ASEAN community.’ You ably did your part in deepening integration to move us towards the realization of a rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN community,” the Philippine leader said.
“In the last two days of our meetings, I have benefited immensely from our discussions and exchanges, providing me with insights on how best to build upon Lao PDR’s efforts in community building.”
Sisoulith said this year’s conference had “comprehensive and fruitful discussions” on strengthening the ASEAN community.
“I trust that under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, in addition to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN community will continue to gain new achievements,” the Lao prime minister said in his closing speech.