Just after his first foreign trip, President Rodrigo R. Duterte optimistically reported that his overall message at the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) clearly states that "the Philippines is open for business."
Duterte, who just became one of the focus in the just-concluded annual meeting, said he is not willing to change track in any way, and gave assurance that his administration is simply intent on creating an investor-friendly environment.
"My message is clear during the summit that the Philippines is open for business and my administration will do its part in providing an environment where businesses can thrive and prosper, including micro, small, and medium enterprises," Mr. Duterte told the press at the Davao City airport following his arrival around 1:00 a.m. Sept. 10.
Duterte also emphasized that he does not want to assess the success or failure of his debut on the world stage, but claimed that ASEAN members now see the Philippines as "a posture of confidence" and able to deliver what it is obligated to.
FOREIGN POLICY
Duterte said that the Philippines will pursue an "independent foreign policy" based on "time-honored principles of sovereignty, equality, non-interference, and the commitment on peaceful settlement of disputes to serve the people and protect the interest of the country."
The President said that this foreign policy should cover all aspects of governance and international relations.
Since the Philippines will be heading the next ASEAN in 2017, which also coincides with the regional grouping's 50th year, Duterte said that it would be an important leadership role for the country and an opportunity to continue pushing for building a "resilient community."
He also said that the theme under the Philippines' chairmanship is an extension of his own campaign slogan and now his administration's battle cry -- "partnering for change, engaging work with your help my kababayan kong who support ASEAN member states, and dialogue partners, we hope to bring the change we want."
ILLEGAL DRUGS
According to Duterte, he already informed the ASEAN members that his campaign against illegal drugs will continue to stay strong.
In Indonesia, where he went on a state visit right after the ASEAN Summit, Duterte said that he was warmly welcomed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Both presidents discussed aspects such as addressing piracy and lawless elements at adjoining sea territories, fostering better economic cooperation, and integration and enforcing laws against the illegal drug trade and other criminal acts.
Duterte earlier said that he will try to seek pardon for Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina on death row who was convicted by an Indonesian court after transporting illegal drugs. However, Duterte declined to reveal more details on their discussion about the fate of Ms. Veloso.
The President said he will first report directly to Ms. Veloso's family.
Ms. Veloso admitted to be being a drug mule and was forced by circumstances of poverty.
Duterte also confirmed that he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he enjoyed their conversation.
He wanted their discussions to remain a secret but also emphasized that it has nothing to do with alliance.
"We just wanted to have business relations and economic. You know war is not the practice anymore and we should avoid war and conflict. I am a peaceful man now after ASEAN."
Source: Business World
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...