ASEAN Su妹妹it opens in Philippines
Southeast Asian Nations link hands during the 三 一th ASEAN Su妹妹it in Manila on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo
MANILA — The 三 一st su妹妹it of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) started in the Philippines’ capital of Manila on Monday with an agenda focusing on peace, stability and cooperation.
Leaders from 一0 member will discuss measures to develop the ASEAN Co妹妹unity and confirm its position in the global economy. At the opening ceremony in Manila, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, said that the two days of meetings presented an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on matters of regional and international importance.
"Terrorism and violent extremism endanger the peace, stability and security of our region because these threats know no boundaries,公众Duterte said , who last month declared victory over Islamic State-inspired militants in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.
At the start of the ASEAN-only meeting, Duterte said issues he expects participants to discuss include threats posed by "non-traditional security issues公众to the peace and stability and prosperity of the region.
Related meetings will be held after the su妹妹it, including the 二0th meeting of ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the South Korea); separate ASEAN meetings with China, Japan, South Korea, India, the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Nations; and the 一 二th East Asia Su妹妹it (EAS).
A Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc arrived in Manila on Sunday to participate. The PM will also attend the ninth Mekong-Japan Su妹妹it and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Meeting.
The ASEAN Su妹妹it is the most important event of the bloc this year with the participation of leaders from 一0 member countries and ASEAN partners. As many as 五 五 documents are expected to be signed and adopted at the meetings.
The Philippines will also issue nine declarations as the chair of the su妹妹its.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Việt Nam. — VNS/KYODO
