Ecuador’s new Ambassador to ASEAN H.E. Rodrigo Guillermo Riofrio Machuca called on the Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Elizabeth P. Buensuceso on 10 February 2015 to discuss his country’s priorities in its engagement with ASEAN, particularly on trade and development issues.

Ambassador Machuca moreover noted the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States’ (CELAC) interest in expanding cooperation with ASEAN. CELAC was established in December 2011 with a similar vision to that of ASEAN, that is, a gradual move towards regional integration, carefully balancing unity and the political, economic, social and cultural diversity of the 600 million inhabitants of Latin America & the Caribbean. Issues of common interest are thus wide-ranging, including social development, education, culture, trade, and the environment.

ASEAN has continued to broaden its external relations in recent years, in line with its vision ofcreating a truly outward-looking organization.