Duterte urges Asian leaders “to continue peaceful co-existence”

November 14, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte urged his fellow leaders to continue nurturing peaceful co-existence in the Southeast and East Asian region.

"I urge my fellow leaders to continue nurturing peaceful co-existence, particularly within the ASEAN Plus Three, where we consider ourselves as one and a family," Duterte said during his opening remarks at the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three Commemorative Summit Tuesday.

Duterte said the cooperation among the ASEAN external partners continues to "flourish steadily".

"But most of all, sharing common traits and values that are deeply embedded in our customs and traditions that help us develop a culture of tolerance and understanding among us, providing a space for positive dialogue," he added.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China hopes to build consensus and send a positive signal that they firmly support regional integration and advance East Asia Economic Community to benefit the people and the country in the region through this summit.

He said the APT cooperation played a vital role in responding to the financial crisis in Southeast Asia.

"China-Japan and China-Republic of Korea relations are seeing signs of improvement. All these have presented new opportunities for APT Cooperation," he said.

"Meanwhile, we are still seeing a mixed picture of world economic recovery. The globalization and protectionism are on the rise. Regional issues are emerging and these have presented challenges to us," he added.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the significance of financial cooperation between the ASEAN Plus Three become increasingly greater.

He added the statement on APT Cooperation on Food Security proposed by China is underway.

"Japan will supply rice to Laos and Myanmar again this year through the APT emergency rice reserve agreement," he said.

He also mentioned the assistance Japan gave to the Philippines during the Marawi crisis.

South Korea President Moon Jae-In said the 13 countries have grown into economies that account for more than 30 percent of the global economy.

Moon said the collective experience of overcoming the Asian Financial Crisis remains valuable heritage.

"Now, we must take ourselves to a new level to realize cooperative mechanism that provides protection and care to the lives of our members in the region," he said.

He also welcome the proposed declaration of the Philippines for the future direction of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation.

"I look forward to reaffirming refining the visions of the East Asian community and our resolve for cooperation within," he said.

The ASEAN Plus Three first leaders' meeting was held in 1996 and 1997 to deal with Asia-Europe Meeting issues and was strengthened by the Asian Financial Crisis in 1999.  Ella Dionisio/DMS