P-Noy cites importance of international cooperation

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday cited the importance of international cooperation in enabling small countries like the Philippines to cope with the global economic downturn.

In a statement delivered upon his arrival from Honolulu, Hawaii, Aquino said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit allowed 21 world leaders to unite against the economic turmoil affecting the world.

“At a time when the road being traversed by the world economy is rough and the condition of trade and finances of big countries like the US and Europe is weakening, the importance of having allies in responding to such crisis cannot be paralleled,” he said in Filipino.

“For a small country like the Philippines, we can safely reach the road to development of our people if we would strengthen our relationship with neighboring countries. This is the importance of our participation in the three-day 19th APEC Leaders’ Meeting,” he said.

Aquino arrived at a little past 2 a.m. on board a chartered flight.

He said that issues like the efficient use of energy, job creation, and ensuring economic stability in the region were discussed during the conference.

“As time goes by, this relationship, which is rooted in the principles of equality and strengthened by cooperation, will grow and will serve as a shelter whenever the global economy experiences storms,” he said.

Aquino said the future generations would benefit from the relationship of the APEC members.

He also thanked Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard for her country’s $1-million fund assistance for those affected by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”

“Our countries vowed to continue our relationship and to boost our cooperation in the future,” he said.

Aquino also cited his discussions with the government of Chinese Taipei on possible investments and ways to improve the welfare of Filipino migrant workers. These include the imposition of reasonable placement fees to uplift the lives of the workers’ families.

He also mentioned the warm welcome extended to him by Filipinos in Hawaii.

“We updated them (Filipino community) about the positive developments in our country and we stressed that we will tread the straight path. All the steps undertaken by this administration focuses on promoting the interests and improving the life of Juan de la Cruz,” he said. On Sunday, the 21 member countries of the APEC vowed to eliminate outdated regulations to increase productivity and create jobs.     

“This year, we have advanced these objectives by committing to take specific steps by 2013 to implement good regulatory practices in our economies, including ensuring internal coordination of regulatory work, assessing regulatory impacts and conducting public consultation,” a declaration signed by APEC leaders read.                           

Aquino leaves the country again today, this time for Bali to attend the 19th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.