Singapore —- President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, November 14, highlighted the improvement in the security cooperation in counter-terrorism and the support for a drug-free Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In his intervention for the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit here, the President noted that the engagements between the regional bloc and Japan continue to broaden through collaboration in innovation and in helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) connect to the global value chain.
“There is greater security cooperation in counter-terrorism and a wider support for a Drug-Free ASEAN,” the President told his fellow leaders during the summit held at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre.
According to the President, there is also an intensified interaction between the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.
“We look forward to the anticipated signing of the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement to further strengthen our people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
The Philippines, the Chief Executive said, appreciates Japan’s commitment to ASEAN centrality.
“As active partners for greater peace, security, and stability in Southeast Asia, we remain open to discussions on the regional structure, which include the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, with a view to enhancing ASEAN centrality,” President Duterte said.-PND
