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BY JUN AGUIRRE
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Wednesday, February 22, 2017
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Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto R. Yasay Jr. speaks at the close of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Boracay. JUN AGUIRRE/PN
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BORACAY – Ministers are worried about China’s continued militarization at the South China Sea, among other concerns facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
That is why they are more determined to push for the drafting of the Code of Conduct at the disputed body of water, Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto R. Yasay Jr. told a news conference.
Yasay was the host and chairman of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, which concluded at the Shangri-La Resort and Spa.
The Retreat was the first meeting of the Asean foreign ministers under the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Summit this year, which coincides with the organization’s 50th founding anniversary.
Aside from China’s militarization, the Asean is also concerned about the ongoing nuclear program of North Korea.
“The Asean ministers hope to have more on these in future meetings,” said Yasay.
He said the Retreat was “mainly for the setup of points of discussion for succeeding Asean meetings this year, which the Philippines will host.”
Aside from the maritime dispute, among the important Asean agenda this year are its partnerships with Canada, India and the United States, said DFA undersecretary Enrique Manalo.
“The Asean, especially the Philippines, is looking forward for a meeting possibly in May,” he said. “The agenda are still being prepared.” (With Philippine Information Agency/PN)
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