[Trending Now] PH President Rodrigo Duterte Is The New ASEAN Chair!

On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the chairmanship of the country of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for next year, 2017.

In the speech that he had for the closing ceremonies of the ASEAN Summit, he mentioned that he will “highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interest of the people at its core.”

“We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth,” Duterte said. 

“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.”

Duterte also took the time to reveal the theme for the 2017 ASEAN Summit that will be held in Manila. 

“Our theme ‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’ captures our resolve to consolidate our community for our peoples with the sense of togetherness and common identity, ready and able to take our rightful place in the global community of nations,” he said. 

“The Philippines-ASEAN chairmanship coincides with a historic milestone event. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of our Association. It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years."

Based on the information from the communication team of Duterte, the president will still heave a last-minute bilateral meeting with the leaders of Russia and New Zealand before leaving for a working visit in Indonesia. 

Source: TNP, CNN