Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN (in green), explains the Philippine’ priorities, plans, and deliverables as ASEAN Chair this year at The Habibie Center’s Talking ASEAN dialogue in Jakarta on 26 January 2017.
26 January 2017 – Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, explained the priorities, plans, and deliverables of the Philippines during its chairmanship of ASEAN this year during a roundtable discussion on ASEAN in Jakarta.
Speaking at The Habibie Center’s Talking ASEAN dialogue, Ambassador Buensuceso emphasized that the Philippine Chairmanship will remain focused on bringing positive change to the lives of the peoples of ASEAN and maintaining ASEAN’s role as the driving force in the region’s architecture, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. Specific deliverables for each thematic priority have already been identified, including the long awaited legal instrument on the rights of migrant workers and a possible framework on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN coincides with the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN.
Other panelists included Amb. Jose Antonio Morato Tavares, Director-General for ASEAN Cooperation of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Jamil Maidan Flores, a columnist of The Jakarta Globe, who shared their own expectations during the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN. Like other ASEAN Member States, Indonesia has lined up plans and initiatives this year to mark the golden anniversary of ASEAN.
Replying to questions on the South China Sea issue, Ambassador Buensuceso stressed the need to apply the rule of law in the peaceful settlement of disputes. On questions on the Abu Sayyaf, she pointed out that the Philippine government is not only undertaking military interventions but is exerting great effort to win the "minds and hearts" of the people in the Southern Philippines.
The Habibie Center is a respected think tank based in Jakarta. Its Executive Director Ms. Rahimah Abdulrahim moderated the dialogue, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Indonesia, academics, and journalists.
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