Speaking to delegatesfrom more than 20 countries at a security conference in Singapore, the ministerreaffirmed the unity and solidarity of ASEAN amidst the emerging super-powercompetition.
He also called on countries outsideto not use ASEAN as a proxy for their rivalry.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Minister Lorenzana said ASEAN is finalising acode of conduct (COC) in the hope of making sure all claimants follow legal anddiplomatic processes in settling territorial disputes.
COC is expected to create a framework for long-term solutions to disputes inthe waters, he said.
The Philippines is rotating chairman of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) andwill host its annual meetings this year.-VNA
VNA