ADMITTEDLY, the economic slump since early this year in view of the global pandemic has adversely affected even the biggest companies, resulting in scaled-down operations and retrenchment of workers. And to be able to accelerate socio-economic recovery in the Asia Pacific region, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] would have to seriously consider deeper economic integration, says President Rodrigo Duterte.
Now on its 3rd day of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Duterte said cooperation in the region would serve as a springboard toward recovery.
“The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement provide key frameworks that will allow a more buoyant bounce back of our economies”, the President said via video conference.
In the 23rd ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, President Duterte renewed calls for easy access to safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines even as he cited the importance of peace, stability in the South China Sea at ASEAN-Australia meet.
He likewise expressed appreciation toward China, Japan, and South Korea for their generous assistance in the country’s fight against COVID-19 and for their contribution to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund.
The President also called for greater ASEAN-Australia collaboration in dealing with transnational crimes, particularly terrorism and human trafficking.
Moreover, the Malacañang chief executive thanked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the technical assistance in the crafting of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
“We must not let up in our collective efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes. We must continue working together to deter foreign terrorist fighters. We must address the root causes of violent extremism and radicalization,” he said.
Morrison welcomed the President’s stand on issues of common interest such as, the South China Sea disputes, countering marine plastic debris, counterterrorism, and cyber-security.
He reaffirmed Australia’s interest to reinforce cooperation with the Philippines in these areas.