MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressed the need for coordinated action in the East Asian region against threats to economic stability and security as she left for Thailand on Good Friday for the second phase of the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
The meeting in the resort district of Pattaya will gather leaders of ASEAN member states – the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar – as well leaders from the regional bloc’s dialogue partners -- China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
“The world economy continues to challenge developed and developing nations alike. This and North Korea’s missile launch underline the importance of our upcoming ASEAN Plus and East Asian Summits,” Arroyo said in her departure statement.
“Within the context of a turbulent world, it is essential to keep our own region as calm and coordinated as possible. The ASEAN Plus and East Asian Summits should be an anchor for member states to keep control of our own backyard,” she said.
Last week, North Korea defied international pressure and launched a rocket, which it said, was meant to put a satellite into orbit.
The United States and Japan, however, raised fears that Pyongyang was testing a long-range nuclear warhead.
“It will be important for East Asian leaders to agree on actions to further strengthen our regional economy and on steps to promote peace and stability. We similarly take a strong stand for continued and united efforts on the region’s economy and security,” Arroyo said.
After the ASEAN summit and related meetings end on Sunday, the President will proceed to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to push for more jobs for Filipino workers there.
“I will be going there to champion our workers before the government and those firms that are hiring workers in Dubai,” she said.
Arroyo departed from the Centennial Terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 3 p.m. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano led foyer honors.
The President pushed through with the trip even after eight of her aides died in a helicopter crash in the northern province of Ifugao on Tuesday evening.
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