ASEAN ministers lay down 6 priority programs this year
CEBU, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay disclosed during a press conference in Boracay Island on Tuesday that six priority programs for 2017 were discussed by foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
These are people-oriented ASEAN, peace and sustainability in the region, maritime security and cooperation, inclusive innovation-led growth; ASEAN's resiliency, and ASEAN: a model of regionalism and global player, he said.
Yasay said the ministers looked forward to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN thjs year, here in the Philippines, or five decades of cooperation and community building in this part of Asia.
He also emphasized the importance of continuing to promote initiatives that directly benefit the people of ASEAN.
On South China Sea issue, Yasay said the ministers had expressed concern over the recent developments and escalation activities in the area that they said may create further tensions.
Yasay also said the ministers noted the need to sustain the momentum of dialogue in order to ease tensions in the region. They are however confident to finish, by midyear, the framework of the code of conduct to resolve the South China Sea issue. (FREEMAN)
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