Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre (Photo: Philippine Embassy in Vietnam) Reporter: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos,Jr. will attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits for the first time as thecountry’s 17th chief executive. What are his priorities at the Summits?
Ambassador: The PresidentFerdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will discuss with the other ASEAN leaders the need forfurther cooperation on maritime security, climate change, food security, healthcooperation and economic recovery.
ASEANhas always been the cornerstone of the Philippines’ foreign policy and throughthese Summits, President Marcos will convey the Philippines’ continuing supportfor ASEAN centrality, extend his deep regard to Cambodia as the current ASEANChair, and ensure full support to Indonesia’s upcoming chairmanship of theASEAN.
ThePresident also intends to address regional issues such as the pandemic, thesituation in Myanmar, developments in the South China Sea (called the East Sea by Vietnam), and the ongoingconflict between Russia and Ukraine, among others. As the head of state, thePresident will seek cooperation with his counterparts on key important mattersor priorities under his administration such as food security, trade cooperationand climate change. The President has also emphasised that through the Summits,he aims to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones by promoting thePhilippines not only as an investment and tourism center but as a reliablepartner for our ASEAN neighbors and beyond.
Reporter: What doyou think about regional economic and tourism recovery in the post-COVID-19period and what should ASEAN do to promote ASEAN centrality in regionalconnectivity?
Ambassador: Economicactivity and tourism across the region have nearly returned to normal. There isactually a huge demand for goods and services, and many people in ASEAN areeager to travel. The demand is, however, dampened by high inflation rate, shortageon important inputs due to supply chain disruptions, and severe energy supplyshortage.
Demandfor travel within the region has regained momentum even if there are fewerChinese tourists compared to previous years. But as I have mentioned, the highfuel cost and the lack of competent manpower in the hotel and service industryand airline industry are also pushing the cost upwards to the detriment of the travelersand the tourism industry.
Giventhat these are transboundary concerns, I think these issues must be discussed collectivelyby ASEAN in the Summits. It is imperative for the region to maintainconnectivity and ensure reliability of supply lines since other countries inthe Western hemisphere and in Europe grapple with their own domestic andregional issues. As the world prepares for an impending global recession, ASEANmust remain steadfast in its economic and political commitments. It must remainas a reliable contributor to global economic stability and political peace.
Reporter: Southeast Asian countries, particularlyVietnam and the Philippines, are facing enormous challenges due to climatechange. In your opinion, what should ASEAN do to deal with the issue?
Ambassador: The region isdeveloping rapidly along with Vietnam and the Philippines. Living standards arealso changing rapidly and the demand for sources of energy emitting greenhousegases within the region is also increasing. Nonetheless, since many ASEAN countries– Vietnam and the Philippines, in particular – have the biggest stake inensuring resolution to climate change, ASEAN must remain committed to implementpolicies that promote the development of renewable energy resources, greeneconomy and implement circular economy principles.
Reporter: How do youthink about Vietnam’s engagement in and contribution to building an equal,strong and inclusive ASEAN community for harmony, peace and prosperity in theregion?
Ambassador: Vietnam hasbeen very actively involved in the ASEAN region and I am impressed with theprogress of Vietnam’s political and economic maturity since it joined the ASEAN27 years ago. It is a reliable contributor in the maintenance of peace andstability in the ASEAN region through its adherence to and promotion ofinternational law and multilateralism, and for integrating with fellow ASEANstates and other Asia Pacific countries.
Vietnamhas made a lot of contributions to ASEAN. On the national level, Vietnam hashosted several ASEAN meetings and summits and remains to host moreASEAN-related ministerial meetings. It has also successfully fulfilled of itsrole as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and in 2020 and as coordinator between ASEAN andkey partner countries.
Domestically,I am also impressed with the vibrant and dedicated programmes and projectsimplemented by many Vietnamese provinces that encourage ASEAN cohesiveness andawareness among its people.
Reporter: Thank you very much!/.
VNA
